James Rowland Whitlock

James “Buddy” Rowland Whitlock, 95, entered eternal rest August 27, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Dorothy “Dot” Louise Whitlock. He was also preceded in death by his parents, George and Goldie, sister, Juanita Kirby and brother Richard Whitlock of Valley Alabama.

He is survived by his daughter, Anita McKenzie of Savannah, Georgia and his son James (Patsy) Rowland Whitlock, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Eric (Katherine) McKenzie, Neil (Laura) McKenzie, Drew (Jennifer) McKenzie of Savannah, Georgia and James Rowland Whitlock, III and Melissa (Sebastian) Gwinner of Atlanta, Georgia. He is also survived by his much loved great grand children: Destin, Aidan, Jackson, Graeme, Ashlyn, Beau, Will, Jennavieve and Sebastian, Jr. He is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Buddy was born April 18, 1928 in Langdale, Alabama to George Cicero and Goldie Gerturde Whitlock. Buddy grew up in Langdale, Alabama and graduated from Valley High School. He played football and basketball, loved sports and was a natural athlete. Buddy served in the Alabama National Guard and then he joined the United States Air Force and was active duty during the Korean Conflict. During his training in Savannah, he met the love of his life, Dorothy Abbott who became his bride on February 16, 1951. They had two children together and built a life in Savannah around family and friends. After his service in the Air Force, he went to work for Stone Container and retired after 36 years. Buddy and Dot traveled extensively in the United States and abroad. His civic duty was important to him He was an Elks Lodge 183 Member and served as Trustee. He was also in the American Legion, Chatham Artillery, Savannah Volunteer Guard and the Exchange Club of Savannah. He served in the 118th Field Artillery and in the US Coast Guard Air Rescue.

Buddy enjoyed golf with family and friends. He was an avid college football fan, but an Alabama
Crimson Tide fan for life, despite his longtime Savannah residency. He loved model planes, jigsaw
puzzles and working in his garden where he grew the best tomatoes ever and tended a bountiful peach tree. Buddy loved to laugh, had a great sense of humor and although quiet at times, he knew exactly when to speak. He was a gentle soul and will always be missed and loved but we know he is in heaven with his love, and turning down the hearing aids when needed, with a sparkle in his eye.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday, September 1, 2023 at Gamble Funeral Service, 410 Stephenson Ave, Savannah, GA.