John and Mary [Walker] Whiteside celebrated the birth of a son on March 3, 1925 in Boynton, Oklahoma. He was named Roy Clayton Whiteside.

He attended school in Okmulgee at Dunbar High School. In 1945, he entered the United States Army, where he served his country honorably during World War II. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan during his tour of duty.

After returning home to Okmulgee from the Army, he attended Oklahoma State Tech in Okmulgee, where he received diplomas in Dry Cleaning and painting.

Roy enjoyed socializing with people and he never met a stranger. He had many friends during his lifetime. He lived in California for several years before moving back to Okmulgee in the early 1970's. Mr. Whiteside worked for Oklahoma State Tech in Okmulgee until his retirement in 2002.

He closed his eyes for the last time on this side on Thursday evening, May 28, 2009 from a hospital in Tulsa. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Wilma, a sister, Lola Mae Thomas, and a brother, Willie Whiteside.

He leaves to lament his death; his son, Roy [Lorraine] Whiteside; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Mae Jackson, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The final tribute will be on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 10 AM in the New Salem Baptist Church. Rev. Willie Antwine, Sr., Pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Our Lady of Grace Cemetery in Okmulgee. You may visit Mr. Whiteside, as he slumbers at the funeral home on Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM.