L. Carl Whitten, 1934-1992

The Rev. L. Carl Whitten was born September 15, 1934, in Amherst County, Virginia, the son of Della Ogden Whitten and Marvin Buren Whitten.

Carl graduated from Amherst High School in 1952. He received his B.A. degree from Randolph-Macon College in 1957, and earned his M.Div. degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in 1962.

He began his ministerial career in 1956 at Warsaw in the Virginia conference. From 1959 to 1968 he served Rawlings-Dawson, and Mayo in the Baltimore conference. In 1968 he returned to the Virginia conference serving Epworth, Exmore. He also served Main Street in Bedford, and St. George's in Fairfax before being appointed to the Harrisonburg District as district superintendent in 1986.

We realize that such a brief list of facts conveys nothing of the real personality that has gone. Even the fond memories of those left behind are too fragmentary to express the full impact of the one we knew and loved. We can say that we are grateful to our dear Lord for the life of Carl Whitten, His servant, who dedicated his life to God's will.

How deeply Carl loved his family and his devoted companion, Elizabeth Davis Whitten. whom he married on June 7. 1958. How proud he was of his children – Eric, Robin and Lisa. How devoted he was to brother Austin and sister Jeanette, as well as his parents, who both survive him.

Carl touched the lives of thousands of persons in his ministry, whether it be by his preaching, teaching, or relationships to persons, and for this, we are grateful.

However, it was during his illness the past several years as he was losing his eyesight, that he shared his faith so eloquently. It was a terribly difficult time for his wife, Betty and for Carl, but they both witnessed to others as never before. Carl once said at a Cabinet meeting, after the doctor gave a grim prognosis as to his eyesight, "How many times I have taken the trip from Harrisonburg to Richmond, but not once have I stopped to view the glorious sight on top of Afton Mountain, looking down over the valley. But today, I stopped, and looked out on the beauty of God's world and I praised Him for life and sight and beauty. Why does it take a crisis like I am experiencing to help us keep life in proper perspective?" There was not a dry eye in the room, and those present will never forget his sharing that day.

Carl's funeral was held at Madison Heights United Methodist Church on May 16, 1992. The service was led by Bishop Thomas Stockton, Dr. Donald Traylor, and the Rev. Bobby Lamb. Our bishop concluded the service by repeating these enduring appropriate words:

"Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see."

 

-William C. Logan