Dr. Wayne F. Whitehead

Dr. Wayne Whitehead, loved husband, father, and grandfather, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 6, 2017. He was 65 years old.

Wayne was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 16, 1952, the son of the late Paul and Fanny Whitehead. In 1972, he proudly joined the United States Navy to serve his country during the Vietnam War as a U.S. Naval Hospital Corpsman and Head Hospital Corpsman. Subsequent to his military career, Wayne attended Alabama A&M University and went on to earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Tennessee. He was a national treasure in his own right as he was a published scientist and research professor at Fort Valley State University for 27 years. As follows, his academia showcases everything that he embodied while being at Fort Valley. Below is his bio from his school: Education Doctor of Philosophy: Plant and Soil Science - The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (1988) Master of Science: Plant and Soil Science - Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University (1984) Bachelor of Science (Honors): Horticulture - Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University (1981) Professional Experience 1990-present: Research Professional, Agronomist/Production Specialist - Fort Valley State University 1989-1990: Research Associate, Agronomist - University of Tennessee, Highland Rim Experiment Station 1988-1989: Postdoctoral Research Associate - University of Tennessee-Knoxville 1984-1988: Graduate Research Assistant - University of Tennessee-Knoxville 1981-1983: Graduate Research Assistant - Alabama A&M University 1978-1981: Undergraduate Research Assistant - Alabama A&M University 1972-1976: U.S. Naval Hospital Corpsman, Head Hospital Corpsman - Guam Naval Hospital Research Interests Utilization of Agronomy/Horticultural Principles, Soil Science, Physiology, Breeding/Propagation Methods and Experimental Design for the improvement of yield, nutrition, adaptability and utilization (animal fodder/biofuel feedstock) of plants (AGRONOMIC, HORTICULTURAL, and EXOTIC) by established and innovative environmentally friendly low input sustainable methods.

His favorite hobby was being a happy Pappi to his grandchildren. What every family member knew and will remember is how much he loved them. Wayne also loved his best friend, Bentley, his rough haired Collie. But beside being an amazing grandfather and father, he was a loving husband, and above all else, loved his beautiful bride, Farzi joon.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Whitehead.

His memory will forever be treasured by his devoted wife, Farzaneh Whitehead; son and daughter-in-law, Reza and Brittany Whitehead; grandchildren, Landen, Lillian and Leela Whitehead; siblings, Martha and Martin Whitehead; sister-in-law, Katie Whitehead; brother-in-law, Ali Hassanalizadeh; and nephew, Arian Hassanalizadeh.

A memorial service celebrating Dr. Whitehead’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Warner Robins. The family would like to welcome guests to a reception at the church afterwards.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with Mr. Whitehead’s arrangements.