Richard Gardner Whitson Sr.

Richard Gardner Whitson, Sr. passed away peacefully at home with his children by his side on August 5, 2025, shortly after his 96th birthday. Dick was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 1, 1929, and grew up in Ridgewood, New Jersey. He was the middle child and only son of Charles and Alice (Little) Whitson. He graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1947 and attended Rutgers University where he was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity and majored in business administration. He lettered in Lacrosse and participated in ROTC. After graduating from Rutgers in 1951, Dick entered active service with the United States Army, training at Fort Benning, GA, and Fort Dix, NJ. He deployed to Korea in 1952 with Company E, 17th Infantry Regiment, serving first as a Second Lieutenant and later rising to First Lieutenant. On February 21, 1953, he led a rescue mission through intense enemy fire to save a surrounded patrol, strategically positioning his men to provide cover for the evacuation of the wounded. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he then organized a second patrol and returned to enemy territory to continue the search for additional wounded. For his gallantry, he was awarded the Silver Star, one of the nation’s highest honors for valor. He was also proud to receive the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal—honors that reflect his courage, leadership, and devotion to his fellow soldiers. Following his service, he began his career in television advertising in New York, working in the TV and Art department at McCann Erickson in Radio City. He went on to become an art director and producer at Kenyon & Eckhardt, contributing to early color television work for RCA, and later worked as a producer at Compton, focusing primarily on the Tide account. Outside of work, Dick loved cars and racing. He raced his Austin-Healey 100 throughout New England racecourses with his signature number 99, winning First in Class at the 1955 Sports Car Club of America race in Beverly, Massachusetts. And throughout his life he enjoyed following Formula One racing. At a wedding in the spring of 1955, Dick met his future wife, Mary Lee Ewell. The couple was married on April 14, 1956, at Saint Thomas Episcopal Church on Fifth Avenue. They lived in an apartment in Tudor City near the UN Building and enjoyed New York City life as newlyweds. Five years later, daughter Paige was born, and the couple moved to Westport, Connecticut. Two years later, son Richard was born. The young family enjoyed many good times with friends and family, sailing and spending time at the beach. Dick was always coming up with creative, fun games for the children and even built an incredible multi-level treehouse that was the envy of the neighborhood. In nearby Weston, Connecticut, the couple built a new home called “Pear Meadow”. Shortly after the family moved in, Dick was offered a business opportunity in California and the family was off to Los Angeles. Dick built a successful career as a commercial film producer, founding Whitson & Associates, a Los Angeles production company. During this time, he worked on numerous projects with well-known figures in the entertainment industry and was a member of the Directors Guild of America. After 17 years in Los Angeles, the couple moved again to Orinda, California and remained there for 15 years. Dick worked as a Commercial Production Supervisor for Clorox where his vast production knowledge was a huge asset. He often remarked that after years working in advertising and then in production, he finally enjoyed being on the “client” side. Upon retirement, Dick and Lee moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, Lee’s hometown, where they were warmly welcomed by many friends and relatives—despite Dick’s being a ‘Yankee.’ He enjoyed The Dinner Club and the camaraderie of lunching with the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out). He was one of the last remaining members from the original 15. And his love of history led him to become involved with the East Tennessee Historical Society. A lifelong artist, he spent much of his time painting in his studio. His work often depicted Scottish military regiments, inspired by his extensive collection of antique lead toy soldiers, but he also enjoyed landscapes and whimsical pieces such as Landing a Watermelon, which won awards at numerous art shows. His humorous ‘Old Geezer’ character became a local favorite, with a version for every holiday. He served as President of the Knoxville Watercolor Society from 2006 to 2007 and never went anywhere without a sketchbook in hand, sketching during long production shoots and travels. Dick continued to honor his military service by writing a regular column as Historian of the 17th Regiment, known as the ‘Buffalos,’ and as a member of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association. He and Lee enjoyed going to the 17th Regiment Association reunions that took place all over the country. From a family of animal lovers, Dick loved his many pets, bird watching and all wildlife. As a boy he especially loved his time in the Boy Scouts and was the camp bugler. His father had an elaborate rose garden and Dick followed in that tradition, taking great pleasure in cultivating his roses. Dick always made friends easily and was devoted to his family. Known for his easy-going nature and warm humor, he made us laugh and smile, was always kind, and brought joy to everyone around him. He will be deeply missed. Our family would like to express our warm thanks to caregivers Tiffany Thomas and Ashley Gibson, to our sweet neighbors and so many others for their extraordinary kindness. Richard Whitson was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Lee Whitson, his parents and two sisters, Elizabeth Whitson of Dawsonville, GA and Karolyn Kinkaid of Atlanta, GA. He is survived by his daughter, Paige Whitson of San Francisco, CA; his son, Richard Whitson, Jr. and daughter-in-law Signe Whitson of Allentown, PA; as well as his two granddaughters, Hannah and Elise Whitson for whom he was affectionately known as “Pop-Pop”. A military service will be held at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, Lyons View Rotunda on October 21st at 1:00 p.m., followed by a family service at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension Columbarium. Online condolences may be shared at www.rosefuneraltn.com. Additional photos will also be on the Rose Funeral & Cremation website.

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Richard Gardner Whitson Sr.

August 1, 1929 - August 5, 2025