Ernest Durell Whittenton

It is with sadness that we share the passing of Ernest Durell Whittenton, 91, of Wheeler Mississippi, on January 27, 2026. Born on June 8, 1934, in Tupelo, Mississippi, Ernie joined the Air Force after high school and trained in Washington state to become a mechanic. While on leave in Miami, he met the future mother of his sons, Ruth Mary Vellines. They married in Washington state. Eventually she moved back to Florida to stay with her family while Ernie served overseas. After his military service, he and Ruth made a home in Florida, where Ernie spent his career working for Florida Power and Light, where he advanced into top management. Ernie’s second wife was Norma Grandchamp, and he gained a stepson, Donald Lloyd Sage (Jennifer). They were married for 32 years.
Ernie loved to fish and hunt and took his sons on many trips. As a young man, he accepted Jesus as his personal lord and savior at a tent revival. In retirement, Ernie enjoyed many years of RVing with Norma across the United States.  Stories he liked to tell include how he met Elvis Presley one summer in Tupelo, as well as how he survived the 1936 Tupelo tornado. After the tornado, he was found unharmed and crying in a cornfield – showing his resilience in life from an early age.
Ernie is survived by his half-sister, Ginger Devaughn (George), sons Steven Whittenton (Lynette) and David Whittenton (Rose), grandsons Jeremiah Whittenton (Amber), Jonathan Whittenton (Mary), Brian Whittenton, and Ethan Whittenton, and great-grandchildren Lucas, Hannah, Ronan and Sorsha.  
Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, father Elmer Cosette Whitenton and mother Mabel McCamey, his first wife Ruth Mary Vellines and second spouse Norma Grandchamp. 
A memorial service will be scheduled in the early summer of 2026.
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