Michael Lipscomb Whitfield

WHITFIELD, Michael Lipscomb, 66, of Chester, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2014, after a lengthy illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Whitfield and Marguerite Lipscomb Whitfield. He is survived by his loving daughter, Rachel Whitfield of Henrico, Virginia; a brother, R. Bryan Whitfield of Timonium, Maryland; and a son, Michael O. Whitfield. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, he grew up in Arlington, Virginia. After graduating from American University, he received a master's degree in piano performance from East Carolina University. He was an extraordinarily talented musician who taught high school band in Shenandoah County, Virginia, played professionally in bands, composed cantatas and other religious music, and served as organist and choir director for numerous churches over a span of 40 years. At the time of his death, he was the organist and choir director for Wesley United Methodist Church in Hopewell, Virginia. After retirement from the Defense Supply Center Richmond, he devoted his time to music, his true passion, and his daughter Rachel, his greatest love. He was a devoted, loving father who will be greatly missed by family and friends. A memorial service will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Hopewell, Virginia, on Friday, December 5, at 2 p.m. A private interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.