Funeral Services - ACTUAL SERVICE - Graveside For James Otis Whitehurst

Rickey Stokes

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Posted by: RStokes
Date: Apr 13 2017 7:59 AM

COWARTS: On Wednesday Marine James Otis Whitehurst received a proper burial and tribute for his life of service and the ultimate sacrifice that he made for each of us to enjoy freedom.

As Dothan Police Chief Steve Parrish said " James Otis Whitehurst was a true American hero." Chief Parrish further said " I was very proud of all of our area law enforcement, emergency service workers, and the Patriot Guard for honoring this man. It was a heart warming experience. Perhaps what was most touching though was not the honor of being a part of it, but the pride I had in Dothan, Alabama at the respect shown during the ceremony. I was fortunate to have a ring-side seat during the procession to the grave site. Elderly people, young people, people of all shapes, sizes, and conditions assembled in mass along the right-of-ways, all with one thing in common: pride in being an American."

From the arrival of James Otis Whitehurst in Tallahassee to the final resting place in Cowarts Alabama, the State of Florida - local-municipal-county-state displayed respect as the funeral coach carrying Marine James Otis Whitehurst traveled from Tallahassee to Glover Funeral Home in Dothan. And in Jackson County Florida on Tuesday, Sheriff Lou Roberts, Jackson County Sheriff Department, Marianna Police, Florida Highway Patrol, the citizens of Jackson County, lined the roadways to display the same pride in being an American and respecting the fallen soldier.

RSN had the distinct honor and privilege of being a part of the pre-arrangements at Glover Funeral Home as Kendall Glover and Larry Mills planned every small detail of the trip and funeral of Marine James Otis Whitehurst.

Buried in a grave in 1943 with 35 other Marines, unidentified. Giving the ultimate sacrifice of his life, at age 20, in order that you and I have freedom. His parents never knowing where the remains of their son were. Just that he had died.

Wednesday the family still living today and the community gave the proper salute to a true American hero.

And to the United States Marines who attended the funeral, the United States Marine Honor Corp, the Wiregrass Area Law Enforcement Honor Corp and all involved THANK YOU.

To each Marine and Military Service, past-present-future, THANK YOU for your service.

MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU AND KEEP YOU FOREVER SAFE. And to GOD BE THE GLORY for James Otis Whitehurst.

With Love,

EACH AND EVERY AMERICAN...