Otto Whigam

Otto Whigam, 97, of Folkston, Georgia, passed away at home on Monday, September 7, 2026. Born December 3, 1928, in Pulaski County, Georgia, to the late Lockwood and Edna Lancaster Whigam, he was the youngest of eight children. Otto grew up with his two sisters and five brothers on a working farm outside Hawkinsville, Georgia, where the family raised hogs, cows, and chickens and grew peanuts, corn, and cotton. After graduating from Central High School in Hawkinsville, he worked as a salesman selling heating stoves and as a service-station attendant. After marrying, he served as a deputy sheriff before beginning his civil service career at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia. He later accepted a maintenance position with the Federal Aviation Agency in Hilliard, Florida, where he worked until retirement. Otto also co-owned the Handi Korner convenience stores in Folkston and was a 60-plus-year member of the Mount Hope Masonic Lodge No. 9 of Hawkinsville, Georgia.

After retiring from the Federal Aviation Administration, Otto and Joyce enjoyed traveling across the United States in their motorhome. They were often on the go and even traveled overseas to Turkey, where their son and daughter-in-law were stationed. Family was very important to Otto, and whenever possible, he spent holidays celebrating with them.

In addition to his parents and siblings, Otto was preceded in death by his loving wife of 75 years, Joyce Fitzgerald Whigam.

Otto is survived by his daughter, Sharon Whigam Beal (Chip) of Waycross, Georgia; his son, Michael Otto Whigam (Vickie) of Hilliard, Florida; his grandchildren, Anna Beal Davis (Michael) of Waycross, Georgia, James Acres Beal V (Summer) of Richmond Hill, Georgia, and Perry Daniel Whigam (fiancé Skye) of Waverly, Georgia; his great-grandchildren, Brayden Davis, Asher Davis, Acres Beal, Harper Beal, and Camden Davis; his sisters-in-law, Laverne F. Crenshaw, Jacqueline F. Taylor, both of Cordele, Georgia, Jacqueline M. Whigam of Augusta, Georgia; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives who loved him dearly.

A service will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, September 11, 2026, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Folkston, with Dr. Randy Jacoby officiating. Burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery in Folkston, Georgia. The family will receive friends one hour before the service.

Pallbearers will be James A. Beal V, Perry D. Whigam, Michael S. Davis, Steven Crenshaw, Mark Crenshaw, and Mark Daniels. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Davis, Jimmy Jones, and Tony Thrift.