Charles Whittington

Charles Alvin Whittington

Charles “Al” Whittington, a devoted ASL interpreter and cherished member of the community, passed away on April 6, 2025. A graveside service will be held in his honor at New Cleveland Cemetery in Cleveland, Mississippi, on September 25, 2025, beginning at 11:00 AM. Al Whittington's memory will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the hearts of many, leaving a legacy of love, commitment, and service that will not be forgotten.

Al was born in Cleveland, MS on September 26, 1955, to James E. and Dorothy Whittington. He went to school in Cleveland until 9th grade, when he attended Chamberlain Hunt Academy. He went to radiology school in Greenville, MS, and then to Nuclear Medicine school in Memphis, TN at the old Baptist Hospital, which was imploded several years ago. He finished first in his class.

He moved to Atlanta, GA, in 1978, where he worked as a Nuclear Medicine Tech for a group of cardiologists. He later worked in an Atlanta Hospital running a nuclear medicine testing facility until he retired in 2020. He then moved to Chapel Hill, NC, to a retirement apartment complex.

Al met his life partner, Jerry William Garrison, in Atlanta, where their bond flourished despite the societal challenges of their time. Although the couple could not be legally married until years later, their relationship, filled with love and mutual support, was evident to all who knew them. Together, they celebrated 25 remarkable years of partnership in 2009, a testament to their enduring devotion.

Al was an ASL interpreter. He was a member and interpreter for an Atlanta chorus group for several years. He was also an interpreter for many local theater productions. He played the organ for Avondal Patello United Methodist Church.

Al was preceded in death by his husband, Jerry Garrison, parents James E. Whittington and Dorothy Brasell Whittington of Cleveland, and a nephew, William Charles “Billy” Rose of Meridian, MS.

Al is survived by his sister, Annelle Rose (Jim) of Olive Branch, MS. A niece, Laurie Rose Lorio (Franz) of Charlotte, NC., and 4 loving great nieces and great, great nephews and a great great niece. A memorial service will be held on September 25th in Cleveland, MS.