By Jane Simpson

Special to the Enterprise

The Joe Whitlock Athletic Foundation Fund was established at the Davie Community Foundation after Whitlock’s death in October. The fund honors a man who valued two things in life: family and sports.

Joe and his wife Brenda grew up in Davie County, where athletics was central in their lives. He played football, basketball and baseball for Davie High in the late 1950s. He and Brenda supported the athletic careers of their four children from the mid-1970s through the late 1980s.

Throughout his life, everything Joe did, he did with the best interests of young athletes in mind. This love of sports led him to coach youth league baseball and football. He was the first Athletic Booster Club President at South Davie Middle School, and, in 1982, he was a driving force in returning American Legion baseball to Davie County.

From 2001 until his death, you could find him on the sidelines at every Davie High varsity football game. He played a behind-the-scenes role. Anytime an athlete needed money to pay for a sports camp, cleats, or even a sports physical, he was there with money in hand to assist.

During his 60-plus years in sports, he saw potential athletes turn away from sports simply because they did not have the money to buy the equipment, and, according to his son Barry, “that simply broke his heart.” It is with this spirit that the family of Joe Whitlock established a fund at the Davie Community Foundation. The goal of the fund is to ensure that no athlete – no matter his or her age – will have to let a lack of finances prevent his athletic pursuits. Joe Whitlock will continue to assist from behind the scenes.

Anyone interested in adding to the Joe Whitlock Athletic Foundation Fund may send a check payable to the Davie Community Foundation, PO Box 546, Mocksville. Joe Whitlock should be noted in the memo section. Visit the foundation website at www.daviefoundation.org and make a donation online. Choose the “Joe Whitlock Athletic Foundation Fund” from the drop down menu in the donations tab.