Obituary of Franklin Delano Whitfield

Franklin “Dee” Whitfield, a retired postal employee and former member of the U.S. Air Force, passed away on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at his home in Efland, NC at the age of 88.

Dee was born in Chapel Hill on January 23, 1933 to parents John Whitfield and Swannie Hobby Whitfield, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Susan Sizemore Whitfield. He was the youngest of 10 children of whom one sister, Mary Andrews, survives. He was preceded in death by his 4 brothers Melvin, Albert, Raymond, and Wade, as well as his three sisters Wilma, Lucy, and Blanche. Dee grew up on a dairy farm in White Cross. Later, he was a member of the U.S. Air Force, and served his country in Korea, where he worked as a teletype operator. On his return to the United States, he was a student at UNC-Chapel Hill for two years before becoming a member of the U.S. postal service. He worked for the post office for many years until he retired. Later he joined the Duke University mail service, where he worked for five more years.

Dee had a great affection for animals, and spent many years riding and showing quarter horses with his family. He had a favorite cocker spaniel, Menji-Lou, and enjoyed the presence of many cats through the years. He followed many different sports venues and was a steadfast UNC fan.

A devoted father, Dee took great pride in the lives and accomplishments of his son Steve Whitfield (Donna), his daughter Karen Strawther (Carl), and his daughter Sarah Jonczak (Tony). Also, he enjoyed spending time with his grandson Mike Whitfield (Lynnae), his granddaughter Erin Leach (Jarrod), his grandson Andrew Strawther, as well as his eight great-grandchildren Taylor, Celeste, Justin, Eli, Bella, Nora (Whifield) and Shayla, Jamison (Leach).
Additionally, he had many cousins, nieces and nephews. Dee will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

Visitation will be held for Dee on Friday, August 13 at Walker’s Funeral Home in Hillsborough from 6:00-8:00 pm. His funeral service, officiated by Bishop Carol Foltz, will take place on Saturday, August 14 at Moravia Moravian Church in Oak Ridge, NC. at 1:00 pm. Before the funeral service, there will be a visitation time in the church sanctuary from 12:00-1:00 pm. Flowers are acceptable or memorial donations may be offered to Moravia Moravian Church (2920 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge, NC 27310) or sent to Orange County EMS Station #1 (304 Revere Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278). The family would like to thank the staff of the Orange County EMS and the Orange County Sheriff’s department for the assistance they provided.

Walker's Funeral Home of Hillsborough is honored to assist the Whitfield family.