William Nowling Whittle Jr
William Nowling Whittle Jr., better known as “Chuck”, was born on July 27, 1931 in Brooklyn, NY to the late William N. Whittle Sr. and Queenie Victoria Smith-Whittle. Chuck was one of four children, Dorothy J. Whittle (deceased), Joseph L. Whittle (deceased), and Ruby “Skippy” Whittle (deceased).
A social and studious child, Chuck attended Public School 28 and George Westing Vocational High School, both located in Brooklyn, NY. While at George Westinghouse Vocational High School, Chuck discovered his gift of creativity, which further led him to study woodworking. Of the many things he built, he was proud of the dollhouse and liquor cabinet.
Honing his skills in woodworking would set him up for a job at Coveral Industries in Brooklyn as a cabinet maker; however, Chuck had bigger dreams. One particular dream, to repair airplanes, began at the age of 10 when he looked up into the sky and saw airplanes flying overhead. In 1950, this dream encouraged him to enlist, 4 years, in the U.S. Airforce. After successfully completing training courses in mechanics, specifically on the B-36 aircraft at Sheppard AF base in Texas, he became an Aircraft Mechanic. His career came with the opportunity to work in places far away from Brooklyn, such as Germany, England, North Africa, France, Spain, Portugal, Tripoli, Denmark and Norway. He was now a world traveler. Prior to completing his 4-years of service and receiving an honorable discharge, he was awarded the National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Occupational Medal (Germany).
In 1954, Chuck returned to New York where he worked for a short time with the U.S. Postal Service before landing his dream job as an Aircraft Mechanic with American Airlines and marrying his “Dream Girl” Romona Basnight. From this loving union two daughters, Maureen and Vanessa, were born. The couple kept their daughters close to them and introduced them to faith in God, taught them acts of kindness, exposed them to travel and different type of food, and instilled in them the importance of family.
In the late 60’s and early 70’s Chuck and Romana found the time to become avid bowlers. They were members of the leagues that were based out of Fitzsimmons Bowling Lanes and Bedford Bowling Lanes in Brooklyn, NY. Chuck’s enthusiasm and commitment to the sport opened the door for him to travel within the U.S. to compete and receive trophies and monetary awards. The couple remained happily married until Romona passed away in 1977. Chucked continued to work hard and loved raising his two young daughters.
Chuck found love again and later married Delores S. Sharpe. He retired from American Airlines after 34 years of service and they moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. Chucked enjoyed traveling, bowling, fishing, football, and playing bridge. He never met a stranger, loved to laugh and lived his life to the fullest!
On Tuesday, October 26, 2021, Chuck departed this life and went home to be with the Lord. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Delores, two daughters, Maureen and Vanessa, a son Curtis, three granddaughters, Kristina, Koree, and Kayla and a host of family and friends. Chuck, we love you so much and though we will miss you dearly, we will be sure to hold on to all the memories and lessons you taught us.
