Christopher Whitt

Christopher Whitt, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at home at the age of 73, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in the arms of his loving wife and surrounded by his beautiful family.

Chris was born on November 11, 1951, in Welch, WV and grew up in Pageton, WV. He was the son of the late Rodney and Lois Whitt, Pageton, WV.

He graduated from Gary High School in 1969 and attended West Virginia Institute of Technology, in Montgomery, WV. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.

Chris was self-employed most of his life owning Whitt Contracting Company, True-Line, Inc., Black Oak Mining, Inc., Mountain  Empire Leasing, Inc. In his later years he was employed by Classic Coal Sales, Inc, Southern Minerals Inc. Superior Processing Inc, working as their Mining Engineering Specialist.

He was also a member of the Princeton Elks Lodge, 1459, Princeton, WV and a member of Pageton United Methodist Church. Pageton, WV.

Left to cherish his memories is his loving devoted wife of 49 years, Gale Lynn Whitt, who remained faithfully by his side through every chapter of their life together and she was the love of his life. He leaves behind his only child who he cherished, John Whitt and his beautiful, caring wife Heather of Princeton, WV, as well as his two precious grandchildren who he loved and adored, Jordan and Hannah Whitt, Princeton, WV and his two wonderful step-grandchildren Ryleigh and Gavin Chambers, Princeton, WV. A special sister-in-law Pat Asbury, Princeton, WV, his two sisters, Dendra Whitt of Wirtz, VA, Linda Fritz and husband Don of Penhook, VA; one brother, Rodney Whitt, Jr. and wife Juliana of Princeton, WV, and 5 nieces, Jennifer Gelpi (Wes), Jessica Bander (Scott), Amy Young (Dave), Leslie Graham (Justin), Laura Musser (Hunter).

Chris was dedicated to his family and being a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Chris’ family was the pride of his life, and his love knew no bounds. Chris’ gentle spirit, kind, steady presence and unwavering love for those close to him will be deeply missed and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His kindness and quiet strength touched the lives of many. He faced life’s challenges with courage, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and strength.

Chris was very active in his son’s baseball career. Chris coached practically all the teams John was on. From little league, high school and through college, not to mention, many all-star teams and off-season travelling teams. He served on the board of directors for the Princeton Little League where he personified the credo, “Doing it for the kids”. Chris spent untold hours working to maintain the baseball fields. Chris not only coached the game of baseball, like any great coaches he taught sportsmanship, teamwork and ultimately, he taught these young men the game of life.

Chris loved gardening, golf and fishing and was an avid fan of West Virginia University sports. Chris led an active and productive life.

Serving as pallbearers will be Eddie Asbury, Dwight Gillespie, Mike Moore, Jeff Johnson, Hunter Musser and Wes Gelpi. Honorary pallbearers will be Jordan Whitt and Gavin Chambers.

We would like to express our gratitude to the wonderful care givers and staff of Amedisys Hospice Care, Bluefield, WV. Thanks to each of you who cared for our loving husband and father. A special thanks to his private care-giver Christine Finley, Princeton, WV.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, Bluewell, WV with Chaplain C.T. Lilly officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery, Princeton, WV. A night of visitation will be held on Wednesday evening at 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.cravens-shires.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Place, 501 Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105