Charles "Charlie" Delano Whitehill

Charles D. Whitehill

     KEYSER, WV - Charles D. Whitehill, 90, of Keyser, passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at his residence.

     Born on April 6, 1934, he was the son of the late Charles L, Whitehill, Wana, WV and Pauline (Black) Whitehill Cope, Morgantown, WV. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, George William Whitehill, Robert Whitehill and Jack Dean Whitehill

     After attending Blacksville High School and graduating from Morgantown High School in 1952, he enrolled at West Virginia University School of Music working a Bachelor’s degree in Public School Music.

     Charlie D. Whitehill began his teaching career in Belington, WV, in 1956, as band director at Belington High School.  He met his wife, Becky, who was attending Davis and Elkins College. They were married on May 23, 1959 at the Belington Presbyterian Church.  Following their marriage, they moved to Morgantown for Charlie to work on his master’s degree.  In June 1960, they moved to West Palm Beach, FL where Charlie taught music at the elementary level for one year.

     Dr. Charles D. Whitehill joined the Potomac State College of West Virginia University faculty in 1961 as director of the ROTC, stage, marching, and concert bands and an instrumental instructor.  With the stage band, he toured area high schools to accompany the PSC Singers.

     Whitehill was named assistant professor in 1966, associate professor in 1969, and full professor in 1976.  He served as chair of the music department from 1972 to 1975.  He then became chair of the Division of Arts and Humanities when the college reorganized various departments into four divisions and served until 1988.

     Named Outstanding Professor of the Year twice in 1993 and 1996, he was also West Virginia University Outstanding Teacher for 1972-73.  He served as chair of the Potomac State College Faculty Assembly for 1992-93.

     He received the highest honor as a faculty member when his name was added to the Duke Anthony Whitmore/Henry Louis Gates Jr. Academic Achievement Wall in 2013. 

     In addition to teaching his regular music classes and individual lessons, Whitehill founded and directed both the Potomac State Community Jazz Ensemble and the Potomac State College/Community Band from its inception in 1961 and the college/community band from 1982.  He continued to direct the jazz ensemble after his retirement.

     He continued to play trumpet in the community after his retirement, also writing arrangements and original music—one piece “March Madness,” named for the NCAA Basketball Tournament.  He and his son, Rhoades continued to play together and write arrangements and compositions until just recently.

     During his tenure he served for more than 20 years as faculty sponsor for the West Virginia Collegiate Music Educators Chapter at Potomac State.  He accompanied student members to a fall and spring conference each year, and to clinics and workshops with other music majors so they could learn from each other. 

     Whitehill also directed many other musical groups.  Among them were the Potomac State Brass Quartet, Brass Quintet, Brass Sextet, and Brass Ensemble.  He also directed the Potomac State Percussion Ensemble.  He served as co-leader of the Highland Jazz Band with Mausby W. Rogers.

     He coordinated the Mineral County Jazz Festival with Frankfort Middle School, Keyser High School, and Frankfort High School, and the Potomac State Jazz Ensemble.  He served as a mentor for thousands of students during his career at PSC.

     His many groups performed spring, Christmas, college homecoming, and big band concerts.  Also willing to assist the local community, he conducted recitals to raise funds for the food pantry and performed at assemblies at local high schools.  His stage band performed concerts to raise money for music scholarships.  He also sponsored elementary music education workshops for Mineral and Allegany counties. 

     A founding member of Highland Arts Unlimited, he later served as president of the group for many years.  

     Although his main interest at the college was teaching music students, he also taught music appreciation as part of general education requirements and music for elementary education majors.  His love of music and teaching was evident to all who knew him.

     In addition to his teaching duties, he served on many college committees and councils.  As division chair, he conducted faculty evaluations and encouraged every one he supervised to pursue faculty development and advancement.  Not only a mentor to students, he was also a mentor to many faculty members during his tenure at the college.

     A favorite of college faculty and staff, he could always be counted on for a smile and an encouraging word where ever he was on campus.  His administrative assistant counted him among her favorite faculty during her 43 years of service.

     Among his many endeavors in education and music, he was the Owner of the Potomac Highland Winery.

     A member of the Keyser Presbyterian Church since 1961, Charlie was an elder, a trustee, a member of the chancel choir and frequently a trumpet soloist.

     He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rebecca (Rhoades) Whitehill and one son, Charles Rhoades Whitehill and wife, Jane O. (Miller), of Annapolis, MD.

     Memorials, if desired, may be directed to Highland Arts Unlimited, Inc., PO Box 63, Keyser, WV 26726 or the Keyser Presbyterian Church, PO Box 729, Keyser, WV 26726.

     Friends will be received at the Keyser Presbyterian Church on Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 11:00am – 2:00pm. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 2:00pm with Reverend Richard Cardot and Pastor Lucas Taylor officiating. Inurnment will be held in the Potomac Memorial Gardens Columbarium.

     Arrangements have been entrusted to the Markwood Funeral Home, Keyser.

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