Michael David Whitten, age 71, died April 1, 2024, at his home in Killen, Alabama surrounded by his family and close friends. Michael had been battling pancreatic cancer for nearly two years. He was born February 23, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to Dave and Calista Whitten. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Cali, his parents, and his brother and butterfly collecting partner, Mark Whitten. He is survived by his beloved wife Sherry, daughter Meredith, son Zachary (Laurel), and Granddog, Meeko.
Mike graduated from Bishop Byrne High School in 1971 before completing a bachelor’s in Accounting with a minor in French from Memphis State University. He spent his career working in accounting and finance at various Memphis area organizations including Holly Farms and MLGW.
Anyone who knew Mike knew of his intense love of fishing. He often described himself as a 71 year old, 8 year old who just wanted to “count pulls.” Whether he was catching blue gill, small mouth, stripers, or marlin, he just wanted to feel that tug on his line. He enjoyed freshwater fishing in lakes and rivers in the U.S. and Mexico, and he followed his passion for saltwater fishing to Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, Florida, and more. Despite many months of chemo and deteriorating health, Mike spent a week catching big bass at a trophy lake in Alabama just three weeks prior to his death. His strength and resilience through his difficult battle with cancer were unmatched, and his primary focus remained on protecting and caring for his family. His determination and courage through this difficult journey served as a beacon of hope and inspiration to many.
Mike loved music and the arts. While many know him as an outdoorsman, he fondly remembered his performances in various musicals, and he loved to talk about guitars. He played and sang beautifully and delighted in date nights with Sherry listening to live music of all sorts.
Mike found his peace and connection to God in the woods and on the lake, and on the ocean through many years of diving and miles of sailing. His diving and sailing also led him to meet the love of his life, Sherry. Mike became a PADI Master SCUBA Instructor, and with Sherry as his assistant instructor, he introduced hundreds to diving. He explored countless reefs and underwater worlds in Florida and the Caribbean.
He loved and supported his wife, children and friends with unmatched devotion and self-sacrifice. He also cared deeply about helping those in need in his community, and he often preferred to offer donations and support anonymously. Mike bought meals for random people at restaurants and felt especially called to support charities that help children and protect natural places. In his honor, his family encourages you to find ways to pay it forward. Donations in lieu of flowers are recommended at the charities below:
Catch a Dream Foundation – Catchadream.org
Land Trust of North Alabama – Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve – landtrustnal.org
Tennessee River Keeper – tennesseeriverkeeper.org
LeBonheur Children’s Hospital –
Sheltering Tree Ranch – http://shelteringtree.org
Northeast Mississippi Down Syndrome Society – nemdss321@gmail.com or Facebook
Akins Funeral Home is assisting the family.
