Kenneth David Whittington, 66 of Smithdale, MS passed away Friday, December 29, 2023 at his residence. He was born on Friday, July 12, 1957 in Hamilton, Ohio.

Ken began his career in MS after 3 yrs of secondary education as a biology major. Before graduating, he joined the United States Navy where he served 4 yrs as a barber on a guided missile destroyer during the Middle East Conflict. He was awarded several military honors before coming home to start his career in cosmetology.

Licensed in 1984, Ken started his quest to become an industry icon. After working with numerous theatre productions, he was inducted into the National Cosmetology Association's Hair America where he served on various committees and board of directors. He had the opportunity to work with some of the industry's well known manufacturers like Matrix, Redken, Wella USA, and finally 14 yrs as artistic director and platform artist for Joewell Shears.

He had a love for teaching, music, and arts. Ken loved the Brookhaven Little Theatre. His first experience there was when he was in college playing Peter in The Diary of Anne Frank. He has served as director of hair and makeup as well as playing roles in BLT's Peter Pan, It's a Wonderful Life, Newsies, and A Christmas Carol. Ken was extremely honored to have received the Best Supporting Actor Haven award in 2017 for his role as Bob Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Everyone in his family and in the community loved him, but he was also well-known across the country. Ken had a bold personality and great sense of humor that all his friends and family have adored throughout the years. His clients and staff at Whittington Berard The Salon meant the world to him and became a part of his family.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Timmie Whittington;  mother, Kathryn Freeman Whittington; sister, Patsy Brown; and sister-in-law, Kathy Smith Whittington.

Survivors include his daughter, Leah Nicole Whittington (Aaron Melton) of Cleveland, OH;  grandchildren, Jordan Whittington and Khalista Melton of Cleveland, OH;  brothers, Jimmie Whittington of Smithdale, MS and Gerald Whittington (Carole) of Hollandale, MS; Special friend, Dorian Davis (Wren) of Smithdale, MS and their daughters Braelynn and Kylee.

Family, friends, coworkers and people all over will always miss his adventurous style and sense humor. Life here on earth will not be the same without him!

A memorial service will be held at a later date.