Christopher Ryan Whitmire

Christopher Ryan Whitmire, 31, born September 21st, 1992, unexpectedly, passed away, April 1st, 2024.
A long time York County, VA resident, and Highest Honors graduate, of Grafton High School, class of 2010, as well as the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School, graduating class of 2018, he currently resided in Newport News, VA. He was academically gifted, early on, speaking over a 100 words at the tender age of 9 months, and accomplished anything he set his mind to. This proved by the purchase of his first house and brand new truck, in the same week, at just 23 years old. He was the proud recipient of many regional, state and national, FBLA, Accounting and Business Math & Computation awards. He served the Newport News Shipyard, close to 9 years, as an O43 Millwright, Industrial mechanic, and dabbled in a brief extent at PepsiCo, where he was valued and appreciated.
Preceded in death by numerous grandparents, including the recent loss of one special grandfather, Robbie/Grandaddy Mills, whose hand he held at passing. He leaves behind, to cherish his memory, his loving family. Parents; Roseanne & Jeff Whitmire, brothers; Blake & Hunter Whitmire, and sister; Heather Whitmire, of Yorktown, VA. Grandparents; Brenda/GaGa Mills, Wayne/PaPa [Mary Lou] Moorefield, and Steve/Gramps & Anita/Grandma Whitmire, all of Yorktown, VA. Great-grandparents; Barbara Honeycutt [N.N., VA], Robert Moorefield [Scottsburg, VA], and Christine Moorefield [Halifax, VA]. Uncle; Aaron Whitmire [Yorktown, VA], aunts; Shelby Moorefield [N.N., VA] and Katie [John] Sturm [Arlington, VA], along with many other relatives, as well as a close friend, Cliff, and, confidant, Nicole.
As the firstborn of four, Christopher couldn’t contain his excitement, entering this world 3 weeks early. A beautiful baby boy who immediately stole the hearts of everyone around, with his big, infectious smile, and equally big heart. He exuded happiness and radiated love. He wore his heart on his sleeve, be it good or bad, and was the first to put those around him above himself. His kindness towards others was his trademark, and of all his genuine qualities, the one that will most be remembered.
Growing up you could find him on a basketball court or rooting for one of his favorite teams, UNC or the Washington Redskins. Although a high achiever, as a perfectionist, he feared failure, and was undecided on what to do in life. He chose a career path as an industrial mechanic, collecting tools to the extent that, upon growing his hair long, which derived from a bet, we jokingly queried if he were enlisted to construct an ark. Watching him open his gifts of tools at Christmas was equivalent to seeing a small child experience their first ice cream cone; sheer, unequivocal joy.
In his pastime, he could be found organizing one of his many card collections, ranging from Pokemon trading cards to a variety of gaming & sports cards. He also enjoyed bowling, whether it be with one of his leagues or playing a match, on the Switch, with his baby sister. He was an accomplished corn hole player, always happy to pull his boards & bags, sporting his favored team, the Redskins, out of the back of his truck to strike up a game. A game in which few could beat him, and most were impressed by his skill. Cell phone often in hand, he occupied much of his time searching for the next meme to send out, or video clip he thought may share a laugh, and gambling on sports.
His greatest loves were his cat, Van, left to reside with his friend, Eli, and his truck, denoting “BG WHIT” had arrived, which will be kept in his memory. His favorite place was The Outer Banks, N.C., where he ensured the tradition, started by GaGa, be continued every year. Vacation time, each summer, spent with her, his siblings and his parents, was a place & time, he could remember his youth and elude the world, providing him comfort & peace. He loved spending time with his family and adored his siblings.
A special tribute goes out to his “big” brother, Blake, whom he grew up alongside, and with whom he shared most of his life. His childhood partner in crime, and best friend, confidant and strongest supporter in adulthood, always lending an ear and words of advice & encouragement. A special grandmother, GaGa, with whom, and whose home, he found the utmost of comfort and peace, along with a shared love of The Outer Banks & cats. A special grandfather, Gramps, who was tasked with the wisdom of life, and someone with whom he could share his love of sports. A special thank you for the UNC urn, lovingly, purchased by his grandfather, PaPa.
If you were blessed to know him, we thank you for sharing in his life, if only for a season. We ask for the respect of privacy at this time and encourage you to share your happy memories, and thoughts, with those who knew, and loved, him. May we cherish his memory by paying forward a positive impact he had in our lives. A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor, for close friends & family, at a later date.
Honored to have been blessed with a beautiful, healthy, happy child, whom we were fortunate to watch grow into an intelligent, talented, kind man. It was a pleasure, and a privilege, to have you as our son, and we will miss you dearly. May you rest in peace and find the happiness you always desired, and certainly deserve, our sweet, beautiful boy. Like you, no other will be, as you are irreplaceable, forever, to me. We love you.