John Frank Whiteside, Jr.

John Frank Whiteside, Jr. passed away May 8th, 2022 at Dunlop House Assisted Living Facility in Colonial Heights, Virginia. Born September 4th, 1931 in Natural Bridge, Virginia, he was the son of the late John Frank Whiteside, Sr. and Nannie Mae Whiteside. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Ruth W. Kyser, Rachel W. Campbell and husband, Stanley, and Irene W. Lynn. John is survived by his brother-in-law, Claude H. Lynn, Jr.; nieces, Rebecca K. Transou (Tracy), Rachel C. Hudson (Preston), Janet C. Powell (Brian), Sondra L. Johnson; and nephew, David C. Lynn (Faith). He is also survived by great-nephews, Travis Transou, Dylan Hudson, Tyler Lynn; and great-niece, Natalie Hudson; devoted friends and caregivers, Betty J. Allgood, Catherine R. Pruett, Kathie L. Chionski, and Melodie S. Dittman.
John graduated from Natural Bridge High School. He worked various jobs, including clerk typist for the Department of Agriculture-Forest Service in Jefferson Natural Forest from 1956 until 1958. After losing his vision, John went to school in Arkansas to learn Braille. He was also trained as a Randolph-Sheppard convenience vendor.
In 1967, John began working at Fort Lee, Virginia for the Virginia Department for the Visually Handicapped Program. Fondly known as "Blind John," he operated John's Snack Bar for fifty years, serving soldiers and civilians alike. In recognition of his 81st birthday, he was awarded the Lifetime Honorary Staff & Faculty Membership by the United States Logistics University. John regularly attended worship services at Tabb Street Presbyterian Church in Petersburg until his health declined.
A funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, May 19, 2022 at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2022, at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens, Lexington, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tabb Street Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 831, Petersburg, Virginia 23804. Condolences may be registered online at www.jtmorriss.com .