Claude Whittle

In Loving Memory of
Cpt. Claude Nolan Whittle, born on December 30, 1939, died January 18, 2025, at the age of 85.
Claude was a Captain in the Regular Army, and retired honorably.
He is survived by his wife Felicity; son Matthew; sister Margaret Whittle Hice; niece Deanna (Joe) Gooden; great nieces Ashley and Cailyn; great nephew Brock (Tori) Gooden, along with several great, great nieces and one great, great nephew.
“Whit” attended Florida State university and was enrolled in the ROTC program. After joining the Army, he attended flight school and became a rotary engine and a fixed wing pilot. He served honorably in Vietnam, Germany, South Korea and numerous U.S. mainland tours of duty; along with Hawaii.
When stationed in Vietnam in 1969, he met President Richard M. Nixon, on his visit to the war zone; and later served as the Army Liasson Officer with the Secret Service at the Republican National Convention in Miami, Florida, in 1972.
While stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington State, he distinguished himself and his crew on several search and rescue missions with the National Park Service in some exceedingly rugged territory.
A proud recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Metal with 2 oak leaf clusters, Air Medal (10 awards), Army Commendation Medal with one v device, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal (2) bars, Army Service Ribbon (2), Master Aviation Badge, Off/Wo Seniors Course (1982), Off/Wo Air Traffic Control (1979), Army Aviation Safe Course (1979), Army Officer Advanced Course (1970).
Upon his retirement in 1987, he began his western memorabilia collection, loving all things “cowboy”, especially Hop-a-long Cassidy!
His other passion was woodworking, making furniture for family and friends, toys for toddlers, and anything else, wood or metal, that he set his mind to without a plan at all.
He was a true master of invention in all things and will be sorely missed by all who knew him well.
His final resting place will be the Georgia National Cemetery, and the service will take place on April 4, 2025, with full military honors.
May he rest in peace.