Joseph Jay Whitman

Joseph Jay "J.J." Whitman, 55, passed away Monday, September 22, 2025, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia.

Born on April 16, 1970, in Americus, Georgia, he was the son of the late Raymond and Billie Whitman. He served in the United States Army as a sniper, operating Bradley Armored vehicles, and was a three-time Master Gunner SGT. After his time in the Army, he worked for the Army as a B.A.E. contractor. J.J. loved fishing, watching the Georgia Bulldogs, and Nascar.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rena Whitman; his daughter, Jayonna Marquez (Pedro); his son, Randall Whitman (Taylor); his step-daughters, Karen Joett Drake and Megan E. Price; his brother, Ray Whitman (Nancy); his sister, Ramona K. Whitman; his grandchildren, Kyler Drake, Hannah Drake, Zachary Drake, Ryder Whitman, Easton Whitman, Brooklyn Acree, Sadie Tulipano, Mia Tulipano, Paxton Whitman, and baby Marquez.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Carol Cartwright.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Friday, September 26, at Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee Street, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A graveside service will be held on Monday, September 29, at Andersonville National Cemetery, beginning at 2:00 PM.

Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for Joseph Jay Whitman.