Larry Dean Whitehead

Larry Dean Whitehead, of Darlington Heights, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 27, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Irene Whitehead, brother, James Whitehead, and wife Mary Whitehead. He is survived by his wife Barbara Whitehead, daughter Kim Butler (Brian) of Farmville and son Dean Whitehead (Angie) of Williamsburg as well as two special stepdaughters, Karen Hinkle (Steve) of Appomattox and Crystal Smith (Larry) of Aulander, North Carolina. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Larry loved the outdoors, was an avid hunter, and enjoyed farming and watching things grow-it was his lifelong passion. To support that passion and his family, he was a tractor trailer driver (known as feeder driver) for UPS and retired in 1991 after 25 years of service. He then began to farm fulltime for the next 25 years and while he never had thousands of acres or hundreds of cows, he was known to have good crops and nice animals. Even though his family was deeply rooted in raising dark tobacco, he or his brother never carried that tradition past the 70’s. When his crops had been harvested, he could be found helping neighbors harvest their corn or soybeans(we wish we had a dollar for every acre he and Henry Gibson harvested together). Commercial driving, from an early age, was in his blood and it started with hauling milk in the 50’s and continued his entire life. When he wasn’t driving professionally, he would probably be hauling gravel, cows, or grain for neighbors and friends.

Larry had one brother, James, and they had a special bond. They farmed, hunted, talked, argued, and taught adult Sunday School class- they did everything together. He was never the same after James passed away because a piece of him was missing. He was also blessed to have some great brother-in- laws in Hot Springs, Virginia, but none more special than James Gordon. They had great times hunting and fishing and Jim always told Larry that he was a “flat land hillbilly”. Larry had great relationship with his UPS coworkers. They knew him as Larry, as well as his CB handle, “Baby Diaper”- we still don’t know how he got that handle but one could only imagine. Larry had a sense of humor, was always playing a joke, and would often provide entertainment late nights on the road imitating people. Larry was also surrounded by brothers of the Masonic Lodge. As a Master Mason, he served in many positions throughout the years to include Worshipful Master of Pamplin lodge. Sadly, the last few years dementia crept in and caused his mind to fade away but he always maintained his sense of humor up until his last days. He had special caregivers this last year and we extend a sincere thank you to Jaylnn Camp, Sallie Pankey, Jennifer Dejesus, Ariel Poteat, Cawanaky Page, Deborah Hughes (his buddy), Emma Buckler, and Kaylee Buckler- you all were angels among us.

Any memorial contributions can be made to Monroe Masonic Lodge No. 301/ Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 841, Appomattox, Va. 24522, the Darlington Heights Volunteer Fire Department, 2673 Darlington Heights Rd, Cullen, Va. 23934, or the Alzheimer’s Association.