Mr. Spencer Alan "aka Love" Whitman

Mr. Alan Spencer Whitman (a.k.a. “Love”)

A Tribute by Family and Friends

Love was born in Fayetteville, Tennessee, gracing this planet with his arrival on September 19, 1956, the sixth of seven children to Rev. Sam Milton Whitman & Mrs. Mattie Patton Whitman, both now deceased. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Cecil “Peter” Whitman, and his dearly beloved Aunt Dene (Ms. Ophelia Patton). Others who preceded him in death include Mr. John L. Patton & Mrs. Dona Townsend Patton, maternal grandparents; Rev. Sollon & Mrs. Beulah Blankenship Whitman, paternal grandparents.

Love accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at a young age by Daddy Whitney, his father, Rev. Whitman, the Pastor of Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama. He served in youth ministries and programs throughout his childhood. He attended Madison County public schools and graduated from Buckhorn High School with honors. He attended Calhoun Junior College, where he earned the highest academic honors.

Mr. Alan Spencer Whitman then joined the United States Air Force and served his country for four years. He landed in California upon his discharge from his tour of service, making his home there. Over the years, he developed a beautiful base of endeared friends and built an extended family of sports lovers. Love was an avid football fan and proudly wore his Alabama hats and regalia when watching “every” Roll Tide game, either with his friends in California or at home watching a game on TV while on the phone, loudly celebrating each play with one of his brothers. Through the years, he embraced the true “California” in him by becoming a staunch San Francisco 49ers fan.

For many years, Love traveled to Alabama to spend Thanksgiving with his siblings and their families. His infectious smile and his very presence spread joy everywhere he went, and he relished being surrounded by his family. Love had a gift for brightening up a room with laughter and authentic interactions with those around him, and he doted on his many nieces and nephews during his visits back home.

A resident of Rancho Cordova, CA, he resided in Cali for approximately 40 years before transitioning from this earth to his heavenly home. God adorned Love with his Heavenly wings on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. His life will be cherished as a blessing, and his memory will live in our hearts forever.

Love will be immensely and dearly missed by his family, loved ones, and friends: Four brothers, Cyrus Whitman, Lavert Whitman (Rose) of Huntsville, AL), Solomon L. Whitman of Denmark, TN; Gerry Whitman (Ruthie) of Hamilton, AL; a loving sister, Iowana Whitman-Tims (Willie Tims, Jr.) of Tampa, FL; a beloved maternal aunt, Mrs. Josie Patton Wade, of Chicago, IL; two cousins who were raised as brothers, Robert Wade, Jr. (Renae), and Maurice Wade, of Chicago, IL; 13 endeared nieces and nephews; 15 great nieces and nephews; eight great-great nieces and nephews; a lifelong friend and his family, Maurice Belcher-Bey, of Rancho Cordova, CA; and numerous other relatives and friends, including many from California.

…Farewell, LOVE…

A private memorial service is planned for a future date. Interment will be in Bloucher’s Ford Cemetery, Huntsville, Alabama—arrangements by Ramsey Wallace Family Funeral Home & Chapel, Inc., Sacramento, CA.

…for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10