Charles Ray Whitman

Charles Ray "Charlie" Whitman, 80, owner of "Charlie's Cylinder Head Repair Inc.", of Dothan, passed away on July 7th, 2023. Charlie was born on May 7th, 1943, in Columbus, Georgia, to Earnest L. and Kathleen Whitman. Early years of his life were spent in the Geneva County area but spent the majority of his life in the Dothan/Rehobeth community.

Charlie was the owner of Charlie's Cylinder Head Repair Inc., which he opened in 1981. He was a graduate of the Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. Masons of Alabama, Dothan Lodge #466, for over 5 years. At the age of 31, Charles became the youngest member in the history of the Masons to achieve the highest level of 'Worshipful Master.'

Entrepreneurship, football, exotic cars, motorcycles, travel, friends and family, and helping others were the driving forces of his life. His humanitarism and love to always do for others will be his legacy as story after story of unselfish acts have been shared by all who knew him. They also recount how he always loved reminiscing about his football days, cars he purchased and kept, places he traveled, the friends he met along the way, and family memories that always brought him joy and laughter as he shared them with all his friends.

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Edwin Whitman, and a sister, Teddie Sue (Susie) Enfinger, of Dothan.

Surviving are his devoted and loving sister, Betty Whitman Register, Dothan; the love of his life, Lori Adkinson; and his "little buddy," Logan Adkinson, Dothan; beloved step-daughter, Candace Marie (Jim) Goodwin, adored step-grandchildren, Cristanne Marie, Garrett James, and Ryder James Goodwin, Marietta, GA; devoted friend, confidant, business partner, Bob (Pam) Williamson, of Dothan; several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, his many friends and neighbors in the Limestone Rd. Community, Dothan/Rehobeth area; and his beloved fur baby and companion, Tucker.

Special love and gratitude to the staff at Flowers Hospital, especially 3 South Nursing staff. We will never forget your love and care for our beloved Charlie.

Active pallbearers will be Johnny Mack Hughes, Jason Kirkland, Don McMullin, Ed Lambert, Pete Rawlins, and Tommy Starling.

Honorary pallbearers will be the 1961 graduating class of Rehobeth High School.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Charles R. Whitman Educational Foundation, EIN #93-222-6327, 452 Paxton Loop, Dothan, AL 36301. The Foundation is being set up in Charlie's honor to assist those who wish to go into the automotive repair field who need financial assistance.

Sunset Memorial Park, 1700 Barrington Road, Midland City, AL will be officiating. The visitation will be held on Tuesday, 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11am. Following the graveside service, a reception will follow.