Robert Whitton

Surrounded by his family, Robert Clark Whitton died peacefully on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 after being struck by a car on November 3. Robert was a man of both great heart and great intellect. He received degrees in mathematics from Davidson College (B.S., 1966) and the University of Pennsylvania (Ph.D., 1972). Robert brought his mathematical skills to the computer graphics industry, co-founding several companies. However, his passion was for teaching, which he called "the greatest job in the world." Robert taught in the Math Department at Davidson College for many years. He took great delight in learning new things and great satisfaction in helping others discover the joy of learning. He respected and cared for each and every one of his students. They, in turn, honored him with awards such as the 2010 Student Government Association Annual Faculty Award, given each year to one professor who has made a difference as a teacher and as a person. Robert's kindness, patience and love for others touched many people. He was utterly devoted to family, which he considered the only true wealth in this world. Robert also had a way of making friends into family by exuberantly sharing their joys and compassionately supporting them in times of sorrow. His impact on those around him has been beautifully documented on CaringBridge.org. A celebration of Robert's life will be held Saturday, Nov.19, at 10:30 a.m. at the Davidson College Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow in Lilly Family Gallery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial gifts be directed to the Robert Clark Whitton Memorial Fund at Davidson College, PO Box 7174, Davidson, NC 28035. Robert is survived by his wife, Amy Diamond, and his five children and four grandsons: Allison Whitton Vierling and her husband, Brian Vierling, and their sons Maximilian Robert Vierling and Alexander (Zander) Vierling; Sarah Whitton and her husband, Josh Gross and their sons, Nicholas (Cole) Whitton Gross and Aidan Whitton Gross; Katherine Whitton; Michael Whitton; and Amanda Whitton. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Clark Whitton and Margaret Whitton Ray, and their families. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home and Cremation Service Huntersville, NC is assisting the family. Friends may offer condolences to the family at www.raymerfh.com.