‘FIND COACH WHITED’

Friends, concerned residents, and former White County High School basketball players who were coached by Roy Whited more than two decades ago gathered at the WCHS gym, on Sept. 17, to hear updates about the search for the beloved community member who disappeared more than four months ago.

Whited was reported missing May 3, 2024. According to White County Sheriff Steve Page at the time of Whited’s disappearance, there were exhaustive searches and in-depth investigative work in an attempt to locate Whited.

Within a few days after Whited’s disappearance, hundreds of volunteers searched the Lovejoy Road property where the former coach resided.

The area that was searched has overgrowth that is waist-high and above.

Brad Walker, a member of the state championship basketball team approximately 25 years ago that was coached by Whited, addressed the crowd at the Sept. 17 gathering and explained that he wanted to ensure the public the search for Whited was still active.

Walker, who is also the pastor of First Baptist Church of Sparta, explained funds had been raised to hire a private detective, David Andrews. Andrews, who was present at the gathering, is well-respected in the law enforcement community, in Putnam County, and has been instrumental in numerous investigations throughout his career.

“Everyone is trying to find an answer,” Walker said.

Walker recognized White County Sheriff Steve Page who was also in attendance.

“We pray and we hope that we find Coach Whited,” Walker stressed.

Lynn Whited, Roy Whited’s brother, spoke to the crowd and paused a couple of times as he became emotional.

Lynn, who lives in Alabama, has been driving back and forth from Sparta to Alabama, “searching every corner of this county,” he said.

Walker said there were some details that he could not reveal at that time because they were part of the ongoing investigation. He said with Andrews’ keen investigative skills, they have been able to piece together some of the events of the day Roy disappeared.

“We need God, and that’s what coach would want us to do,” Walker said.

Mike Buck, coach and former player under Whited in another county, spoke with fondness about the man whom he said made a huge impact on his life.

“He brought people together,” Buck said. “He loved others. He inspired and motivated us.”

One of the speakers, Barbara Witzigman, owner of Tri-Star Real Estate and Auction Co., talked about her close connection to Roy as member of the Tri-Star team but most importantly as a friend. She told the crowd about Roy’s many selfless acts of kindness.

Matt Holman, a former WCHS basketball player, described Roy’s personality.

“He showed up - he always did,” Holman said. “He held us accountable. He challenged us [to be the best we could be]. He would listen to you.”

In closing, one of the speakers said, “Coach wasn’t perfect - but none of us are perfect. He was admired, and he still is because of all the many lives that he touched in so many different ways.”

Anyone that may have any information about Roy Whited’s disappearance is urged to call the office of District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway at (931) 528-5015.