Douglas McArthur Whittle

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Posted by: bottomsgardenchapel
Date: May 24 2015 4:11 PM

   Douglas McArthur Whittle (73), former Sheriff of Geneva County, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24, 2015 at approximately 9:45 A.M. following a long term illness at his residence in Geneva while surrounded by his family and friends.

   Doug was born on April 6, 1942 in Hartford, Alabama. He was one of eight children born to Mather and Leola (Spann) Whittle of Hartford. He graduated Hartford’s Geneva County High School in 1961 as president of his class.  He often spoke about the lasting, positive influences of Coach J.D Chesteen, Theo Woodham, Ms. Hardy and Principal J.P. Granger. He held his teachers, classmates and friends at school in the highest regard.  His exceptional work ethic was developed at an early age working on his family’s farm with his brothers and sisters where he learned the values necessary to succeed in life. As an outdoorsman, he became an excellent hunter and also enjoyed fishing. With his impeccable eye sight, he perfected his shooting skills and eventually would astonish those who witnessed the rare events when he would shoot two dove with one shot or hit tiny objects repeatedly from great distances with even a small caliber rifle.

  Doug married Dianne Sizemore in July 1963. In November 1963 he was hired as a police officer by the City of Geneva. Doug graduated from the Police Academy in 1964 and began a prominent career in public service. In June 1964 he welcomed twin sons Devin and Kevin. During his time with the Geneva Police Department he was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police. In 1975 he became a member of the first “state sponsored drug task force” in the state of Alabama along with fellow officer, Jimmy Hand. Doug was appointed by Sheriff Eunice Sizemore to oversee the duties of the Sheriff’s office, following the murder of his father-in-law Sheriff L.D. “Red” Sizemore in August 1977. Two of Doug’s greatest passions in life were law enforcement and farming. He particularly enjoyed raising cattle, wood crafting, hunting with his sons Devin and Kevin and fishing with his brother Ellis. 

  Doug was elected and served four consecutive terms as Geneva County Sheriff from 1980 to 1996.  During his distinguished tenure as Sheriff he was respected as a strong leader and known to be dependable, fair and honest.  His humor was legendary as he shared entertaining stories and jokes with his family, friends and often even total strangers. Doug touched the lives of countless individuals including those who passed through the county jail during his law enforcement career.

   Between 1988 and 2004 six grandchildren were added to the Whittle family. He was affectionately known as “Granddaddy Doug” to Logan, Chris, Corbin, Peyton, Hanna and Parker. 

   In May 1996, Doug was presented an Honor Award by the American Police Hall of Fame for his distinguished achievement in public service.  

   Doug was proceeded in death by his brother Bobby Gene (1957), mother Leola (1985), brother Bill (1987), father Mather (1995),  brother Millard (1998), brother Ellis (1999) and sister Mable (2009)

   He is survived by his sons Devin Whittle (Paige) and Kevin Whittle (Julie), and his grandchildren Logan (27), Chris (23), Corbin (25), Peyton (18), Hanna (13) and Parker (12), his sisters Sarah Johnson (Henry) and Joyce Whittle as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

   Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home will conduct the services at Maple Avenue Baptist Church located on Maple Avenue in Geneva. Visitation will be at Maple Avenue Baptist Church on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 from 6 PM to 8 PM. Services will be at Maple Avenue Baptist Church Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 10 AM. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Cemetery on Alabama Highway 52 west of Geneva. Pastor Jessie Hobbs, Pastor Scott Fulford and Reverend Henry Johnson will conduct the services. The Geneva County Sheriff’s Department will serve as pallbearers and will be assisted by the Geneva Police Department with the service ceremonies. All Current and past law enforcement officers in attendance will be honorary pallbearers.

   Doug’s family request that you please make a donation to The Boy’s and Girl’s Ranches of Alabama in the memory of former Geneva County Sheriff Douglas Whittle. For your convenience, your gifts may be telephoned to the Honor/Memorial Clerk at 1-800-548-4256. Please make checks payable to the Boys & Girls Ranches of Alabama, P.O. Box 240009, Montgomery, AL 36124-0009.

   During Doug’s lifetime he was blessed with innumerable friendships. His family would like to specifically acknowledge the I.D. Griffin family, the Robert E. Skinner family, the Donald Gainey family, the Kenneth Sallas family, the Elton Housley family, the Kenneth Tice family, the Barry Oden family, the Lamar Hadden family, and Michelle Ellison as some of his closest friends.

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