Stanley Whonic Obituary

Stanley Mitchell Whonic, 61, of Colorado Springs, Colorado died suddenly on Monday, 17 March 2014, at Memorial Hospital, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Born June 8, 1952 at Yakota AB, Japan, first son of the late Stanley Harrison Whonic and Winifred Thersa Whonic and lived in Colorado Springs for the past 21 years.

Mr. Whonic retired from the United States Air Force in 1998. His assignments included Loring AFB, Maine, Classified sites, Woomera, Australia, Los Angeles AFS, California, Whitby, England and Buckley AFB/Shriver AFB, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Awards and decorations include the Meritorous Service Medal with 3 oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Combat Readiness Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the National Defence Service Medal. During his career he served in Air Force Communications Command, Air Force Systems Command and Air Force Space Command. He was responsible for maintaining, developing, and controlling complex satellite and radar systems such as the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, Ballistic Missile Early Warning System, and Global Positioning System.

After retiring from the Air Force, Mr. Whonic worked for ARINC, Boeing and Harris Corporation. He attended Village Seven Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs. Mr. Whonic graduated from North Georgia College in 1974 with a BBA and the Colorado Technical University with MS in Information Systems. He was a certified open water diver, accomplished snow skier and Boy Scout Leader.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mrs. L. Anne Whonic, Colorado Springs, Colorado, daughter and son-in-law Amanda and Ashley Watts of Augusta, Georgia, son Stanley Robert Whonic, Colorado Springs, Colorado, his mother Winifred Thersa Whonic, Dahlonega, Georgia younger brother and sister-in-law Edward and Gail D. Whonic of Dahlonega, Georgia, grandchildren Abbeygale Watts, Aubrey Watts, Allyson Watts and Imagin Whonic and nieces, nephews other relatives.

Mitch was known by all as a devoted husband and father who actively participated in the myriad pursuits of his wife, children and grandchildren. He was great conversationalist with a droll wit that kept family and friends fully engaged and often laughing to the point of tears. While his military career and service to our country were a great part of his life, diving the Great Barrier Reef, exploring Europe, hiking in the North Georgia mountains while dreaming of building a "round house" for his and Anne's retirement home reflected the heart and spirit of the man we all loved so much and will remember each and every day.

Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 PM Saturday, March 22, 2014 at Dahlonega Baptist Church. The Rev. Bill Hutcheson will officiate. Interment will follow at Philippi Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Friday at the funeral home and 2-3 PM Saturday at Dahlonega Baptist Church.

Flowers are accepted or donations can be made to No One Alone 33 Live Oak Rd. Dahlonega, GA 30533; Rainbow Children's Home, 247 East Main St., Dahlonega, GA 30533; or a local charity of your choice.

Online condolences can be made to the family at barrettfh.com.

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland, GA