Michael Bea Whitehead

Michael Bea Whitehead, 72, passed away from pancreatic cancer on Friday, October 19, 2018 at home, surrounded by family. The Ironton native was born July 24, 1946 to Anna Crabtree Whitehead and Homer Whitehead. Michael was a 1964 graduate of Ironton High School and went on to play football for Capital University, graduating in 1969. He obtained his Masters Degree in Education from Xavier University. Most people will remember him as an Ironton Junior High and High School principal where he was a champion for teachers and students alike. His was a lifetime of service. He coordinated the Adult Basic Education program, was a past Rotary president and was dedicated to his church, Community of Christ. Michael served as pastor and came out of retirement to oversee the building of their fellowship hall, which is used for many community activities. Michael was an avid outdoorsman. He loved being surrounded by God’s nature. He is preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Homer and brother, David Whitehead. Michael is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Sharon Anne Standard Whitehead; daughters Dr. Nichelle (Robert) Whitehead-Collins, Dr. Kristin Whitehead, Andrea (Blake) Hixon; grandsons Maxwell Stephan, Miles Stephan, Sascha Posch, Elijah Posch, Avery Hixon and Beck Hixon. He also is survived by two sisters and one brother, Carolyn (Bob) Waddle, Mary (Bobby) Williams, and John (Sina) Whitehead; his niece and nephew, Christine (Seth) Sammons, Marcus (Ashley) Williams and great nephews and niece, Zayne Williams, Demir Curtis, Ezra Williams and Isley Williams. Michael desired for friends and family to gather informally to share in fellowship and food. A celebration of his life will be on Saturday, October 27, 2018, from 12pm to 3pm at Community of Christ (Fellowship Hall), 308 N Ellison Street, Ironton, Ohio. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Community of Christ building fund to support the Fellowship Hall, which was dear to his heart, PO Box 566, Ironton, Ohio 45638. Also, donations may be sent to Community Hospice, 2029 S 3rd Street, Ironton, Ohio 45638. Hall Funeral Home and Crematory Proctorville, OH assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to ehallfunerahome.com.

Michael Bea Whitehead

July 24, 1946 - October 19, 2018