Edward Jordan Whitmire

"Little EJ" Whitmire, surrounded by members of his Macon Citizens Habilities family and other family members, passed peacefully into the arms of Heaven on April 1, 2017.

Afflicted from birth with cerebral palsy, Little EJ never had the good fortune or opportunities the rest of us take for granted. He was forever a child in mind and action.

Nonetheless, he was a gleeful participant in many of life's arenas.

He loved all music, watching baseball, basketball and particularly Western Carolina University football... much laughter involving cheer leading routines. Years past, his family took him to many high school baseball games where, with much gusto, he watched both his brothers play.

He loved viewing cattle at the family's beef operation, Ridgefield Farm. His brother, Steve, organized hayrides and cookouts at "The Farm" in Brasstown, where Little EJ and his group home housemates were treated to daylong adventures.

He was thrilled to attend classes and services at Franklin First Baptist Church, whose members faithfully provided transport and instruction. He absolutely loved his MCH (Macon Citizens Habilities) family members, many of whom had known and cared for him since the inception of the residential program.

The family is so grateful for the care provided by MCH, including all the staff members who took him out to eat, to musical events and to many, many ball games. Many staff members included him on their own family outings. We should all recognize these people of grace and compassion, as they occupy a quiet but exalted corner of our civilized society, accepting of those fundamentally and irrevocably different.

Little EJ is survived by brothers Steve Whitmire, Blairsville, Ga;  David Whitmire, Hotchkiss, Colorado (Mary); and sister Genevieve Burda (Larry)Mars Hill, NC.  Additionally survivors include nieces Kathleen Wirth (Pete) Kennebunk, Maine;  Cindy Burda of Baltimore, Md.,  Carey Burda (Kristy Carter) of Asheville, NC;  nephews John Whitmire (Abby) Atlanta, Ga; Whit Whitmire, Atlanta, Ga.; and Ryder Whitmire (Michelle) Longmont, Colorado.  He was predeceased by mother, Genevieve W Whitmire and father EJ Whitmire.

The family requests no flowers as a memorial will be at a later date. Memorials to "Little EJ" would be welcome by contributions to:

Macon Citizens Habilities, Inc., PO Box 698, Franklin, NC 28744 or contributions may also be made to The Little EJ Teaching Scholarship at Western Carolina University, Office of Development, One University Drive, 201 H.F. Robinson Admin. Bldg., Cullowhee, NC 28723

Online condolences may be made at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com. Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home is serving the Whitmire family.