Mr. Whitfield was born 1917 in Itasca, Texas, to Bryan and Elsie Whitfield. The oldest of four children, he was involved with the rest of his family in the operation of their cotton farm, and long hours behind the working part of a mule taught him that education was his ticket off the farm. He excelled in sports and, in particular, football, which led him to Texas A&M he graduated in 1942. Mr. Whitfield was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Medical Corps. As a Staff Sergeant in World War II in the ETO, he was decorated with the Bronze Star medal.
It would be difficult to find someone who loved his work more than Mr. Whitfield. One of his great joys each day was to get up and go to work. To make ice cream each day, invent flavors and method of manufacturing, and to hire and inspire great people were all part of his happy life. Transferred to Seattle from Dallas in April, 1954, to manage the ice cream operation for Safeway, Mr. Whitfield continued his love affair with work and found another true love in the beauty and people of the Pacific Northwest.
He retired, the first time, from Darigold as head of ice cream production, and subsequently developed a second career as a manufacturer's representative selling flavorings and ingredients back to ice cream manufacturing businesses. His son Paul continues the business and the family connection to ice cream.
Mr. Whitfield's devotion to family and his community can be measured in many ways, including years of coaching football and baseball when his sons were of age, and then continued coaching after his boys were grown. During his years with Safeway and Darigold, each summer he would hire students from the University of Washington, often times from the football program that he had become involved with through Coach Jim Owens. His direct participation with UW athletics lasted for more than four decades. His involvement with Husky football also included 50 years of holding season tickets, and he and Lillian's travels with the football team to all games, home and away.
Mr. Whitfield is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lillian; sister-in-law Blanche Breznen of Lakewood, Ohio; his brother, Bill (Joann) of McKinney, Texas; and sons, Paul (Carol) and Tom (Gail); as well as eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Helen; and his brother, J.B.
A memorial service and celebration of the life of Woody Whitfield was held Feb. 2 at Queen Anne Lutheran Church.[[In-content Ad]]