Rodney Joe Whitt, beloved husband, father and grandfather, left his earthly home to be with the Lord on August 20, 2017.  Joe was born in Gays Mill, Wisconsin, the fifth of eleven children, and was raised on a dairy farm.  He devoted his life to his wife, children and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Frieda, and his brothers, Gordon, Jerry, Randy, Dennis, Roger and Michael.  He is survived by Carol, his wife of thirty-six years, and their children, Daniel of Purcellville, Virginia; Steven of Chantilly, Virginia; Michael of Purcellville, Virginia; Robert of Royersford, Pennsylvania; and Jessica of Lovettsville, Virginia.  He was the beloved grandfather of Charlotte, Joseph, Isabelle, Timothy, Dylan, Adalyne, Easton and Brooklynn.  Joe is also survived by his sister Nancy, and brothers Bernard, Harley and Greg.

After high school, Joe enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to serve his country. From 1968 through 1972 he honorably served in Vietnam. Because of his unselfishness and courage in combat, he was awarded four Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star, among other distinguished honors. In his professional life, Joe worked as a Senior Corrections Officer at Southern State Correctional Facility for the State of New Jersey until his retirement.

Joe's steadfast dedication to his family was exemplified in many ways; he loved and cherished his wife, children and grandchildren every day. He made many happy memories traveling and camping in his motor home with his family throughout the United States of America. Joe coached the Cohansey Soccer Club developmental and traveling teams for many years as well as church league basketball. He was Cubmaster for Cub Scouts Pack 128 at West Park United Methodist Church in Bridgeton, New Jersey. A former carpenter, Joe loved woodworking and spent time making toys for his grandchildren and furniture for his home. Among other family activities were fishing and taking care of his horses. He also enjoyed taking his 1956 Chevy Bel Air and 1950 Chevy truck to car shows and parades with his family.

Joe was a member of Berean Baptist Church in Bridgeton, New Jersey, where he enjoyed singing in the choir. He attended Purcellville Baptist Church in Purcellville since moving to Lovettsville, Virginia in October 2012.

He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Boulder Crest Retreat: http://www.bouldercrestretreat.org/donate/ or

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