William (Bill) Burke Whetsell

Whetsell

On Friday, September 1, William (Bill) Burke Whetsell, a beloved husband, father, brother and friend, peacefully passed away at seventy-eight. Bill was born in Baltimore, MD, May 25,1945, to William (Bill) and Polly Whetsell, while his parents proudly served our country during WWII. The family settled in Marietta, Ohio,where Bill graduated from Marietta High School in 1963.

A four-sport, standout athlete at Marietta High School and a member of the Marietta High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Bill pursued his basketball passion on a scholarship to Marshall University. After career – ending injuries, he returned to Marietta and graduated from Marietta College. It was during his time at Marietta College where he met his wife, Sharon, and the two were married for fifty-five years.

Throughout their marriage and Bill’s professional career, he and Sharon had the opportunity to live in many different cities where they formed, and still cherish, long-standing friendships today from Northern California, Michigan, Tellico Village, TN and most currently, Hilton Head Island, SC. These travels provided the perfect backdrop to support Bill’s love for the game of golf. An avid golfer and fan of Ben Hogan and Arnold Palmer, he loved the camaraderie and competition of the game, winning Club Championship titles at Marietta Country Club (CC), North Ridge CC, Sacramento, CA and Wabeek CC, Bloomfield Hills, MI. Bill was a teacher of the game to both his sons and grandchildren.

When he wasn’t on the golf course, he and Sharon enjoyed traveling and cruising the world and spending time with their sons, grandkids and their golden retriever, Patriot. Bill loved friendly wagers on college sports and always remained a loyal fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes.

Bill was best known for his kind heart, love for his family and closest friends and gentle demeanor except for when he had to record a three-putt on the golf course. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, and their sons Doug (Jenny) of Fort Collins, CO, and Andy (Amy) of Columbus, OH; four grandchildren: Andrew, Hannah, Tyler and Alex; one brother, Robert (Samantha) of Hilton Head Island, SC; two sisters, Linda Reed Driver (Bill) of Arlington, VA and Pam Stephanik (Tom) of Marietta, OH and eleven nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held on a later date in Marietta, Ohio for family and close friends. In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that those who are able instead make a donation in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital via their website.