James Kenneth Whitlow

Mr. James ‘Kenneth’ Whitlow, 84, of Sherwood Drive, Elberton, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, November 25, 2024, at his residence, following several years of declining health.

Kenneth will lie in state on Friday, November 29, from 9:00a.m.-8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home for those wishing to pay their respects and sign the guestbook. Graveside services will be private on Saturday, November 30, at 1:00p.m. in Elberton’s Historic Elmhurst Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, 890 Newton Bridge Road, Athens, GA 30607.

Mr. Whitlow was born at home in Lavonia on July 26, 1940, son of the late James Kermit Whitlow and Lillie Mac Holbrook Whitlow, and step-son of the late Spurgeon Beggs. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings: Betty Ann Pruitt, Don Whitlow, Jerry Whitlow, Charles Linton Beggs, and Susan Wuerzner. 

He is survived by his children: Steve Whitlow of Colbert, Bruce Whitlow and his wife Frances Ruth of Lakemont, and Brook Whitlow of Elberton; sister, Billie Rose Bowen of Cumming; grandchildren: Bryan Whitlow, Kyle Whitlow, Emily Whitlow, Dylan (Dr. Elizabeth Grace) Whitlow, Betsy Gaffney, and Maggie Gaffney; great-grandchildren: Laya Whitlow, Lily Whitlow, and Sebastain Joseph Gaffney.

A 1958 graduate of Royston High School, Kenneth furthered his education at North Georgia Technical College. Due to his academic abilities, he was recruited by an electrical business in Leesburg, FL even before graduating. After working there for a year, he came to Elberton to work. Soon after, in 1961, Kenneth formed his own company and Whitlow Electric was born. 

Whitlow Electric would grow to become one of the most successful and largest employers in Elbert County. A philanthropist in his own way, Kenneth was a mentor to many young people who began their careers at Whitlow Electric while in high school, many of whom have become successful entrepreneurs. 

Kenneth was the life of the party anywhere he went. He was an avid golfer, and enjoyed spending time on the lake boating. He had a special love of classic cars. Kenneth was a member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, the Elberton Elks Lodge, and the Elberton Moose Lodge.

The family wishes to extend their sincerest appreciation to family friend, Sylvester Heard, as well as the group of ladies who have served as Kenneth’s caregivers for the last fifteen years. Your dedication and compassion gave him the opportunity to spend his final years at home just as he wished. 

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. James ‘Kenneth’ Whitlow.