Joseph Charles whitehead

Corporal Joseph C. Whitehead was born on 12 January 1989. He reported for recruit training with 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Parris Island, SC, on 28 August 2007. After graduating from recruit training, Corporal Whitehead attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger and Marine Combat Engineer School aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. After completing his initial training, Corporal Whitehead reported for duty with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, Second Marine Division, on 1 July 2008. During his time with the battalion Corporal Whitehead deployed in May 2009 and January 2010 with Bravo Company in support of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. During his 2010 deployment he took part in Haiti relief operations. After his time in Bravo Company, Corporal Whitehead was assigned to 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company where he immediately began training for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. On 8 December 2010, Corporal Whitehead and the Marines from 2nd Platoon deployed to Afghanistan in direct support of 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines. On 17 January 2011, Corporal Whitehead discovered an improvised explosive device while conducting a dismounted patrol in the city of Marjah; the device exploded and took his life. Corporal Whitehead was a true leader, a coach, mentor, and a positive role model for younger Marines. He taught his Marines to be at the point of friction, telling them that “someone has to man it.” Corporal Whitehead’s Marines knew that no matter what situation they were in, together they would find their way out. Corporal Whitehead took great pride in being a Marine and impressed everyone that knew him with his desire to serve his country and protect his family; it was our privilege to serve with him. Corporal Joseph C. Whitehead was a true American, an excellent Marine, and though he is gone, he will never be forgotten.

 Cpl. Joseph C. Whitehead, a native of lower Alabama, was an impassioned University of Alabama football fan, the family prankster, the one who could lift anyone's spirits in the room.

Those were just some of the descriptions offered as about 300 family members and friends remembered the U.S. Marine on Wednesday as he was laid to rest.

The chapel of Serenity Funeral Home overflowed as state officials, military veterans and everyday people came to pay their respects.

Lewis R. Welch, a former missionary who met Whitehead’s family when they attended Faith Assembly of God, led the service. He encouraged those in attendance to strengthen their commitment to do good in the face of Whitehead’s sacrifice.

“He lived and dedicated himself to the purpose God gave him,” Welch said. “He loved his family — that was unmistakable — but he also showed great service and dedication to his country.”

Make no mistake, Welch said, God is in the business of taking people’s lives and accomplishing great things through them.

“May we examine again our own personal commitment today,” he said. “May we examine Joe’s life and commitment and make a stronger and more dedicated commitment in our own lives.”

Brief eulogies from family members and fellow Marines brought laughter and tears. One Marine described butting heads with Whitehead over their rival football teams.

A brother recalled Whitehead’s four great loves: “Food. Family. Children. And food.”

A time was recalled when he took his grandfather’s boat out for a spin, and later swam home without the boat or motor when something went wrong. Both items were later recovered.

The Purple Heart was presented by Whitehead’s fellow Marines to the family. Former state Rep. Spencer Collier of Irvington, now the director of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security, offered a proclamation from the state honoring Whitehead’s sacrifice.

Gov. Robert Bentley paid his respects Tuesday night during the visitation, spending about 30 minutes privately with the family.

The fallen Marine’s mother was among those who spoke during the service.

Her son didn’t want to be a nobody, she said. He wanted to be a person who would have a strong effect on the lives of others.

“I have to be stronger now than I was before, for my son, and I know he loved his brothers and sister,” she said.

Whitehead is survived by his mother, Melanie Miller; his father, Mark Goodhue; a stepfather, Keith Miller; one sister, Jessica Whitehead; two brothers, Destin Goodhue and Jeffrey Miller; grandparents Roy and Wanda Patrick, Willie Whitehead and Joan Sasser, Jackie Norwood, Devon and Lucille Miller; great-grandparents Don and Barbara Johnson and other relatives