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YOUR BALANCE
We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy
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We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 4:22 PM

February 2 the world lost a big Tiger fan - my daddy, Eddie Whitaker.
Daddy left Inman in 1952 to be a rat at Clemson. After a year, however, he found his way into the Air Force and never returned as a student. But oh he raised me right.
Daddy brought me to my first football game Oct. 29, 1977 to see us play Wake. I never turned back.
Over the years he brought me to many more games. I'm fairly certain some of those Saturdays he would have rather been home resting after putting in 9-10 hours a day of work and commute each day. But we'd load up and take off. Even while I was a Clemson student I'd come home on Fridays and drive back and forth with him on Saturdays. I didn't know why I did that then, but oh those extra hours are golden to me now.
As he aged I'd call on Saturdays and make sure he knew the time and channel the games were on. If things didn't go well I'd expect my halftime call to ask me why things weren't going so well!!
The last Tiger game he ever saw was the bowl game from this year. He was already sick but we got to discuss it and the win sure made him happy.
I miss him. I'll miss that half time call. But I always, ALWAYS, have those beautiful Saturdays in the Valley with him. Thanks, Daddy, for making me a Tiger.

And for a fun story my college roommate reminded me about after Daddy passed - Summer of 1985 we're visiting campus for my orientation. We stumble across Michael Dean Perry. Daddy, being Daddy, goes up and starts up a conversation with him like they've known each other for years.
As we're walking off he turns to MDP and say "My boy is going to be here the next four years. How bout looking out for him for me."
MPD assured him he would.
That was Daddy.

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 4:25 PM

Wow, what a great relationship for you and your father. I am sure he would want me to say:

"Go Tigers"

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 4:33 PM

Prayers for you and those who loved your Daddy.

He sounds like he was also your best friend.

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 4:35 PM

Dang that was a great read! Left us with a win! Glad y’all had a great bond and a lot of great memories as well. Me and my dad were really tight for a lot of years but as we have gotten older we have drifted into our separate ways. The busyness of life is one issue for both of us. He does not go to the games anymore as he would rather watch it at home. Ticket costs blows his mind as well. He never took me a lot growing up but I turned into a die hard and make it to every home game. He used to ask me if I was going to the game this weekend and now he knows there is no need in asking because if I’m able I’m there. Again thanks for sharing!

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MEG


Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 5:14 PM

You must stop the "drift away"... If not, you will miss him even more because of the regrets of spending less time with him...saying from experience!

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 6:06 PM

No doubt I know you are correct.

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MEG


Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 4:58 PM

First, sorry about your loss. Prayers go out to your whole family.
Secondly, thanks for sharing some very personal stories with all of us on TigerNet. Your dad sounded like a cool cat. Again, thanks for sharing with fellow Tigers.

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"If a pig had a better personality, he would cease to be a filthy animal."


Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 5:06 PM

Thanks Whitcgs! :)

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 5:09 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss. You have some great memories that I know you cherish.

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"It is not part of a true culture to tame tigers any more than it is to make sheep ferocious."
--Henry David Thoreau


Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 5:23 PM

So sorry for your loss!
It sound like even though he was not on campus long, he was the epitome of a Clemson Man.

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 5:39 PM

Amazing Grace

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 5:44 PM

Sorry for your loss, but glad you were blessed with happy memories. I'm sure you will find solace in the happy years you had together.

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I am sorry for your loss and we will be praying for you and


Feb 17, 2022, 5:46 PM

your family.

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 5:52 PM

Rest In Peace Mr Eddie. Thanks for the share. Those times are such a blessing. And now as adults we get to see how many other distractions there are in this world. I’m thankful your dad and mine chose to invest theirs in us. Go Tigers.

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 5:59 PM

Thanks for the story. May he rest in peace.

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 6:20 PM

Thankful for memories. Great post.

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 6:23 PM

so sorry for your loss.my dad sounds a lot like your's.very out-going with a great sense of humor.would talk to anyone.a born salesman.he passed away in '91,and i still miss him and my mom a great deal even today,but like you,i have a lot of great memories that are worth their weight in gold.as time goes on they become a source of great comfort.take heart in that.

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null


Sending sincere condolences Whitcgs..


Feb 17, 2022, 7:00 PM

and thanks so much for sharing your Dad’s & your mutual love story for Clemson & Tiger Football over the many years. What fun & memories made.

R.I.P. TiGER “Daddy” ~

Go TiGERS Everywhere!

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Thanks for sharing


Feb 17, 2022, 7:11 PM

I hope you and your family find peace and comfort in your loss

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Sorry for your loss, man. Condolences to you and your


Feb 17, 2022, 7:36 PM

family. Now your Daddy has the best seat in the house!

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"Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want, and deserve to get it good and hard."
- H. L. Mencken


Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 8:18 PM

My deepest sympathies, fellow Tiger. Thanks for sharing those memories of your Dad. Go Tigers.

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Class of '87


Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 8:28 PM

May God bless you and your family. Every time I turn on Perimeter Road I think of my mom and dad.
You will see him again
John 14:1-6
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

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So sorry for your loss- sounds a lot like my Dad and


Feb 17, 2022, 9:44 PM

he grew up in Inman as well - just a few years earlier than yours. He moved away after WWII but we still visited relatives there when I was very young. I did the same as you in the '60s - going home on Friday and riding back with him for football on Saturdays a few times. Lost him 8 years ago when he was 88. He rode 90 miles at 3:00 in the mornings with my brother up until he was 80 to hunt deer with me.

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 9:52 PM

God bless you. What an awesome tribute. My Daddy also made me a Tiger and now my son is a Tiger. Go Tigers

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 9:55 PM

My sincere condolences on the loss of your father.

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 11:36 PM

So sorry for your loss. Loved reading those wonderful memories you shared.

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 17, 2022, 11:41 PM

Prayers for you and your family. He seemed like an amazing man.

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I am so sorry and praying for you and your family


Feb 17, 2022, 11:51 PM

??????

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 18, 2022, 12:33 AM

Thoughts and prayers for your family sir. Never had the privilege of meeting your dad, but my family and I know your uncle, and I hope he is doing well.

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 18, 2022, 1:24 AM

So sorry for your lose. Praying for you and your family.

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 18, 2022, 4:49 AM

David, this is Ronnie Watson. Your Dad was a special fellow and I know you miss him very much. I knew him when He was Personnel director at the Montgomery Mills and my sister in law was his secretary. He would light up a place like no other and was a fun person to be around. You have a wonderful family and that is a legacy to him and your mom. I share in your loss as he was a loss to everyone that knew him. I know he would want you and your family to follow in his footsteps of his love for the Tigers.

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 18, 2022, 5:01 AM

That's good stuff. Sorry for your loss, but happy for you having such good times and a great relationship with your Dad. RIP Eddie Whitaker

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Great tribute to "Daddy". Thank you for sharing. Prayers to


Feb 18, 2022, 5:13 AM

all involved (friends too, but family more).

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Si vis pacem, para bellum (if you want peace, prepare for war)
USMC 1980-83
-Camp Lejeune
-Beirut, Lebanon
SC National Guard 1983-2018


Please, accept and express to your family my


Feb 18, 2022, 6:19 AM

sincerest condolences.

Very nice tribute of memories.

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Re: Please, accept and express to your family my


Feb 18, 2022, 6:24 AM

Did you know Eddie?

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 18, 2022, 9:09 AM

Sorry for your loss. Your father's story is similar to my father's so this really struck a chord with me this morning. Treasure those memories.

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Screw Calford.


Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 18, 2022, 9:17 AM

Thanks for sharing with us. So sorry about your Dad’s passing. I can tell you time helps turn grief into fond memories and it sounds like you are already on your way there. He will still be with you on Saturdays and every day. Go Tigers!!!

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 18, 2022, 10:54 AM

May your father rest in peace. God Bless!

Go Tigers.

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I grew up


Feb 18, 2022, 11:25 AM

In Inman during the forty’s and fifty’s and I bet I knew your family. It’s changed a lot in 60+ years, it’s painful to lose a great parent and I truly feel for your loss.

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 18, 2022, 11:29 AM

Sounds like a great Dad and Tiger - I know he'll be missed. My condolences.

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Re: We lost a big Tiger fan - Tribute to my Daddy


Feb 18, 2022, 10:38 PM

Wonderful relationship and I am sure his time has raised a great person ! Remember the the good times

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