Joel Hollis Whittemore, known to many as “Big Jody,” passed away at his home in Portland, Tennessee, on September 25, 2026, surrounded by family. He was born on February 9, 1953, in Glasgow, Kentucky.

Joel will be remembered as a loving, caring, kind, and patient man whose steady reliability shaped the lives of those around him. He was the kind of person who always went above and beyond, offering not only his strength and hard work, but also his warmth, wit, and humor. To his family, he was a great husband, father, and grandfather, and the pride he took in them was one of the clearest reflections of who he was.

For more than 30 years, Joel owned and operated JJJ Masonry, building both a livelihood and a reputation through honest work and dedication. He would end up putting his family to work for him as well. His children claim they had been fired by Dad more often than they quit. He also spent time working for the Red Cross as a blood donation bus driver. In the course of his life’s work, he helped build homes, leaving behind lasting signs of his labor in the communities he served.

Outside of work, Joel gave generously of himself in the things he loved most. He coached softball for more than 30 years, including travel softball with Madison Parks, investing time and encouragement into young athletes over decades. He enjoyed reading and treasured trips to the library with his daughter when she was young. He especially liked western novels and books about history. He was also a devoted Atlanta Braves fan, and one cherished memory for his family was the time his children took him to a game in Atlanta for Father’s Day.

Joel found great joy in spending time in the wilderness and in simple, lasting moments with the people he loved. He loved camping and spending time in the great outdoors, and trips to the Smoky Mountains became part of the family’s treasured memories. His wife has wonderful memories of their time together at Yellowstone National Park. He took special pleasure in teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish, passing along both patience and love in those quiet moments by the water. More than anything, he loved spending time with family, especially his grandbabies, who brought him deep happiness.

His proudest accomplishment was his family, and the legacy of love that remains in the heart of the ones he loved.

Joel is preceded in death by his father Cordell Whittemore, mother and stepfather Lorell and Pete Davis, and his brothers Jerry and Tony Whittemore.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Thalia Whittemore, children Joel "Lil' Jody" (Kerri) Whittemore, James "Bubba" (Brandy) Whittemore, Tiffany Whittemore (Kevin Davis), Eric (Morgan) Whittemore. He will be missed by his grandchildren; Makayla, Mackenzie, Addison, Caleb, Easton, Cortland, Christian, Sula, Jessica, and Nicole. He is also survived by his sisters Terri Miller and Dorothy Miller, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on October 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home and Cremation Services - White House, 212 Highway 76, White House, Tennessee 37188. A graveside service will follow from 11:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery, US-31W, White House, Tennessee 37188.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 18th, 2026, at J. Travis Park from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Joel Hollis Whittemore leaves behind a memory marked by hard work, laughter, devotion, and the enduring comfort of family. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.