Thomas "Tommie" Franklin Whitnell

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord (Jer. 17:7)

Thomas "Tommie" Franklin Whitnell was born on November 10, 1955 to the late Horace (H.C.) and Bettie Whitnell in Mayfield, Kentucky. He graduated from the Racine Unified School District. Thomas worked at Northwestern Medical Center (via DVR) as a maintenance worker until July 25, 2014. Thomas departed this earthly life on Sunday, July 27, 2014.

Tommie had a very BIG heart and always tried to help others. He enjoyed life to the fullest. As part of his community service, he participated every Saturday faithfully as a group leader for AA under the guidance of Mr. Billy, his sponsor. He attended Greater St. Luke MBC under the leadership of Pastor Joseph Pipes. Tommie loved Sunday School and based on his phone calls to me every Sunday morning, he was going to be on time! He was a fast walker and slow talker except when it was about his God. Tommie was like a firmly rooted tree. He relied on God and had a sense of stability and vitality despite the worst circumstances. One of his favorite sayings: “Have a blessed day, and be a blessing.”

Tommie will be remembered by his two brothers: Horace C. (Rita) Whitnell Jr., Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Johnnie Whitnell, Racine, Ws., and sister, Delores “Dee” Hervey-Brown, Southaven, Mississippi., two nephews Majada T. Hervey, Milwaukee, Ws., and Shontate (Shernita) Whitnell, Racine, Ws.; a niece, Malika (Richard) Henry of Denver, Colorado, and great nephews and nieces, Jayden Hervey of Madison, Ws., Jalanai Hervey of Milwaukee, Ws., Tamya Sade Whitnell, Tyrese Shamar Whitnell, Malena Marie Whitnell and Shaquaisha Whitnell of Racine, Ws., and one uncle; James (Jozell) Davies of Racine, Ws.

Tommie also leaves extended families that include the Streeters, Hamiltons, Blands, Berryhills, Herveys, Lights, Thurmans, McClains, and his 1031 Birch Street neighbors. Thomas also leaves Carman McClain, his soul mate for the last nine years. The love that he had for her shall always be. The list could go on and on but those individuals whose names are not mentioned, you know what you meant to Thomas (Tommie) and what he meant to you.

Thomas "Tommie" was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Martha V. Whitnell, and most recently his brother, Richard "Ricky" Whitnell, grandparents, Jewell (Lauretta) Davies, Walter (Martha) Valentine and an uncle, William “Billie” Davies.

Homegoing celebration services will be held at Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main Street, Racine, Wisconsin on Tuesday, August 5, 2014. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. until time of the services at 11 a.m. The committal services with Full Military Honors will be held at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Town of Dover.

May God who calls our dear one home and gave him

Peace and rest, give us the faith and will to say that He

Indeed knows best. THE FAMILY.