Marcus Whitman, Jr.
Alabaster, AL: Marcus Whitman Jr. passed away on Monday, June 12, 2023. He was born on October 18, 1934.
Dr. Marcus Whitman Jr. was passionate about life and learning. His tables were often cluttered with the latest medical journals and hunting, fishing, and Tennessee Walking Horses magazines scattered about. His formal education began at the University of Alabama, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. His education continued at the Medical College of Alabama, where he graduated in 1961. Upon completing his medical training in Orthopedic Surgery, he became a member of Comer and Randal orthopedic practice at Baptist Medical Center Montclair. His thirst for knowledge and excellence was the hallmark of his medical practice. He thrived on taking that which was broken and mending and making it whole. When he retired from his medical practice, he embarked on a second career with the Department of Disability Services, where he would continue to strive to make a meaningful difference. After working through the pandemic, he finally retired in 2021.
His passion for knowledge also spilled over into several of his favorite pastimes. An avid Alabama Fan, he could go into detail about the Crimson Tide rosters in basketball and football from years gone by and regal one with stories of the legends from the Capstone. Possibly his greatest love was for training and showing Tennessee Walking Horses. His crowning achievement was winning a blue ribbon in his class at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. Even in his hobbies, he loved to learn and excel in whatever he did.
He was also a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. When his children were young, annual family vacations to the beach with deep-sea fishing and runs to Thomas’ Doughnuts were a favorite. He loved hunting and fishing with his sons and family nights at Horse Shows. As a grandfather, he loved watching his grandchildren play their favorite sports and participate in various activities. Granddaddy was always there to encourage and give expert advice. He will be dearly missed and remembered by his family as a lifelong learner and contributor to mankind.
He is survived by his second wife and longtime companion and friend Barbara Whitman, his children; Laura Whitman Sims (Bernie), Sharon Whitman Johnston (JJ), Marcus Whitman III (Paige), Dan Whitman (Lisa) and Harper Whitman (Kelly), his grandchildren Whitney Sims Cummins (Nick), Stephanie Sims Bailey (Adam), Kristen Phillips, Kevin Phillips (Jessica), Kathryn Whitman Matheny (Joel), Erin Whitman, Cole Whitman (Trista), Mason Whitman (Becca), and Morgan Whitman, and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Marcus Whitman Sr. and Mary Lynn Judd Whitman.
A memorial service will be held at Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster on June 30 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to support Marcus’s great-granddaughter, Addison, in her fight against Cystic Fibrosis.