John David Whitfield

John David Whitfield December 30, 1925 - June 5, 2016 John David Whitfield, age 90, of St. Augustine, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 5, at Brookdale St. Augustine surrounded by his family. John was born and grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina where he graduated from New Hanover High School. At the age of 18, he joined the U.S. Navy and served his country during W.W. II. He later graduated from Wilmington College at the top of his class. While in high school John began working for A&P Grocery Store in Wilmington. After his military service and graduating from college, he returned to work at A&P Grocery. From an entry level job, he worked through the ranks of management to become an executive at the national level. He lived and worked in many states for A&P, and gladly did what the company needed him to do. He retired in the early 1980’s as National Director of Sales after 33 years of service. After his retirement, John worked for Quinn Wholesale and Thomas & Howard Wholesale Grocery. He retired in 1990 and moved to St. Augustine. John was a man of great faith. He enjoyed studying the bible and had a gift of teaching. He served as a Sunday School teacher for nearly 40 years in the many churches where he was a member. He was a member of Crescent Beach Baptist Church and was a longtime member of Anastasia Baptist Church. John enjoyed fishing and was an avid golfer. He loved to work with his hands and had learned to fix just about everything. More than anything he was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Judy Whitfield of St. Augustine; sons, John Whitfield, Jr. (Teresa) of Keystone Heights, Michael Whitfield (Kristi) of Jacksonville; daughters, Jan McDowell (Melvin) of South Carolina, Joyce Edwards of St. Petersburg; a brother, James Nathan Whitfield of Wilmington, N.C., 20 grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 on Wednesday at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.