It is with deep sorrow, yet unfailing hope in our Savior, we announce the passing of Jerry Whitman, 76, on July 17, 2026. The legend of Jerry “Revcop” Whitman began on May 20, 1950. Born to Simmie and Alverne Whitman of Choudrant, Louisiana on Pine St. where he lived his entire 76 years. He grew up the son of local grocery store owners and a Baptist church deacon. Working at “Whitman Grocery,” he developed a gift for talking and listening to the community. His parents raised him to love God and love others – the charismatic young boy stocking shelves making folks laugh, listening to their stories – became a staple of the community before he could drive.
Growing up during the space race, he developed a love for the stars and flying. After graduating from Choudrant High School, he put his dreams into action and got his pilot’s license. There are tales of Jerry doing low altitude fly-bys and terrifying his family and friends. The lifelong prankster. He set his sights on breaking speed records and going to space. When he couldn’t get past the atmosphere, he built model rockets and shot them off for his kids and the education of elementary-aged children.
He loved music – listening, playing and writing songs his entire life. The residents of Choudrant said they could hear his late 60s rock band from his parents’ garage across town. He was drummer, guitarist and singer – and not at all subtle as the town of Choudrant would attest.
Throughout school and into college, he developed a deep friendship and fell in love with a girl from Bossier City, Sandy Whitman. They met at vacation bible school, were fast friends, and were later married on December 28th, 1974. A family man, married for 51 years, raising his kids and grandkids with a love for community, the Chicago Cubs, friendship and ultimately for Jesus Christ.
The Lord called Jerry to ministry early in his college career. He left behind his astronaut and rockstar dreams to what would become a faithful 50-year career in leading people to the Gospel. Starting his service at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Choudrant, then transitioning to Holmesville Baptist Church for nearly 42 years. He helped shape the lives of generations in his community to fall deeper in love with Jesus. Led people through the happiest times of their lives, preaching hundreds of weddings and baptizing new believers. He was also there in the hardest times of people’s lives, sitting with loved ones in the hospital after a traffic loss or a life-changing diagnosis, and preaching countless funerals.
Jerry received a Bachelor of Science Degree in History and English from Louisiana Tech University, and later became a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master’s of Divinity. He served on the board at Louisiana College. He had a love for history and theology. He encouraged many to look deeper and seek the truth in those areas.
His love for serving his community, expanded into service as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for Lincoln Parish where he served for nearly 40 years, eventually becoming Co-Commander of the unit. He spent decades of Friday and Saturday nights on the sidelines of the local football teams keeping law and order or directing traffic at local community events.
“Revcop” developed deep friendships with other pastors, law enforcement, church members and many in the community around North Louisiana. He served them, and they loved and supported him. That love also translated into cross-country prank wars where Jerry found himself mowing his yard of rye-grass in the winter or finding “fallen foreign space satellites” crashed in front of his home. One birthday he walked out to a car buried in his yard.
Jerry found passion in a multitude of areas which allowed him to connect with many and develop lasting friendships. He was a pilot, prankster, musician, amateur astronomer, amateur meteorologist, Reserve Sherrif’s Deputy, family man and pastor. He was a devoted husband, Dad and Grandad. He was a humble leader and a trusted friend. He was a sinner, who leaned on the grace of the Lord and encouraged others to do the same.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father Simmie Whitman, mother Alverne Whitman, sisters Mary Ann Whitman Smalling and Margaret Whitman Kalil, and brother James Whitman. He is survived by his wife Sandy Whitman, son and daughter-in-law Matthew and Danica Whitman of Tulsa, OK, daughter, Hannah Whitman, granddaughter Lenora Whitman and grandson Asher Whitman along with nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends whom he considered family.
We would like to thank the medical providers at Glenwood, Fresenius, MD Anderson and all those who served him along the way.
Service to honor the life and legend of Jerry “Revcop” Whitman will be held at Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 11 AM with a visitation earlier from 9:30 AM – 11 AM. Interment will follow in Choudrant Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Ruston, LA.
Memorial contributions to be made to the church or charity of your choice.
