Andrew Starling Whittle Sr. was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Grover Harry and Margaret Whittle on March 30, 1963. Andrew married his wife of 38½ years, Norma Sue, on March 27,1983. They had two sons, Andrew Jr. and William Daniel.

Andrew always had a passion for taking things apart, just to see how they worked and how difficult it was to put them back together. He became a diesel mechanic and over the years would become a shop supervisor and shop manager. Everyone that worked with Andrew would come to love and respect not only the boss, but also the friend that he became. If you had a problem, Andrew was the man that could solve it.

When his sons were old enough to join the Boy Scouts, Andrew became a Boy Scout Leader, where he helped influence not only his boys but countless others. He wanted them to learn that life was about what you could do for others and the difference you could make in this world. He became a Mason at Robert Andrews Lodge #612 in Tunica, Mississippi, and eventually became the lodge’s secretary, a lifetime position. The Boy Scouts and Masons taught Andrew valuable lessons on how to lead, follow, and become a man of great integrity.

A motor vehicle accident in 2003 took the life of their son, William Daniel, at the age of 15, which left the family devastated for years. That same year, Andrew and his wife became grandparents, and for the next seven years Andrew held his family a little closer, while trying to find his way in life.

In 2011, District One Fire Department was the opportunity for him to once again make a difference in the lives of others. He spent countless hours at the firehouse or on calls to better his community. Andrew and his son Andy provided the needed vehicles for Tate County firemen, countywide, to be trained in extrication. This provided a faster response time to aid and assist in MVAs with entrapments. Andrew was the assistant chief for District One VFD.

He was diagnosed with COVID in August of 2021 and on October 7, his watch came to an end. Andrew leaves behind his wife, Norma Sue; son, Andrew Jr.; and four granddaughters, Elizabeth, Madison, Aleigha, and Sophia, who know the true meaning of HERO—they call him Pawpaw.

Andrew was a true firefighter. He knew what caring for the older and younger generation meant. He had noble qualities, and he had love for his fellow man.

Our family and community are forever changed for knowing such a wonderful man.