Obituary
Jan 9, 1946 - May 6, 2024
"A heart as big as all outdoors"
Dr. John Allison Whitsitt, DDS, FACP, FAADSM, retired Army Lt. Col., age 78, of Ormond Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2024, surrounded by his many children and loving wife. Born on January 9, 1946, in Nashville, TN, to Julia Humphrey Whitsitt and William Gambill Whitsitt, John leaves behind a legacy deeply cherished by his family and community.
A dedicated husband and father, Dr. Whitsitt is survived by his brother, William, his sister, Julia, his wife, Denise, his children John Jr., Logan, Jillian, Brian, Gregory, and Rebecca, his stepson, Alex, as well as seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Rachel.
Starting in the army as a draftee, John eventually rose to the rank of Lt. Col. He earned his Science degree from North Texas State University, followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery from Georgetown University. Certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics in 1986, he moved his growing family from Fort Meade, MD, to Ormond Beach, where he started his private dental practice. Known for his dedication and compassion, he was a highly respected dentist who brightened his patients' lives with a unique combination of humor and care. In later years, he became passionate about sleep medicine and achieved board certification.
Outside of his professional achievements, John loved fishing, traveling with his wife Denise, telling (often appropriately inappropriate) jokes, and enjoying time with his family. Loved by his many friends and large family, his later years were marked by happiness and new adventures with his dedicated wife Denise which reflected his humble, selfless, often mischievous spirit.
Above all, John was a family man. The profound love he held for each of his children was evident, as he supported and encouraged them through every stage of life. His role as a sibling was no less significant to him or his brother and sister.
To honor and celebrate the life of Dr. John Whitsitt, a Visitation will be held at Lohman Funeral Home Ormond, 733 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 on Friday, May 10th, from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday, May 11th, at 1:30 PM at St. Brendan's Catholic Church, 1000 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach FL 32176. Interment with full military honors will follow at Volusia Memorial Park, 550 N Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.
John's passing is a profound loss, but his legacy of love, care, and joy will continue to live on through his family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know him.
A NOTE FROM HIS CHILDREN:
Our father's life made a meaningfully positive impact on more lives than any of us can count, and that influence will resonate for generations.
Above all, he prioritized being our father, making it evident in every moment that we were the most important part of his life.
He was always there—an immovable anchor in our lives, providing sure footing and a safe harbor in any storm. His love for us was unconditional, and he gave us a world filled with love, pride, and unwavering support. His presence was profound; the quiet strength he provided to us spoke volumes. These gifts came directly from his heart, shaping a world where we never doubted we were cherished. In return, he was loved by us without any limits, caveats, or conditions.
His legacy is not just in what he accomplished, but also in the love, laughter, and stability he fostered in our lives. And importantly, he brought laughter into our lives—a lot of it.
To view the Mass online, on a device with Zoom installed, please utilize the following link:
https://www.econdolence.com/4p3f8aq6