Milton Whitlock

Milton Whitlock, 86, of Pickens, South Carolina, peacefully passed away on December 6, 2024. Born January 21, 1938, in Liberty, South Carolina, Milton was a man whose devotion to family, faith, and craftsmanship created a lasting legacy of love and inspiration.

Milton graduated from Liberty High School and spent his career as a dedicated textile worker at Greenwood Mills. Outside of work, he was a gifted craftsman, renowned for creating intricate, lifelike models of houses, gas stations, churches, barns, and cars. He found great joy in his blue Ford truck and took pride in making handmade gifts for his loved ones, ensuring that his creative spirit was felt by all who knew him.

A man of deep faith, Milton was a devout member of Northside Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and loved singing hymns to express his devotion. His community and family were at the heart of everything he did.

The church, his community, and his family were everything to him, for his love for them was unwavering. Milton also enjoyed gardening, finding peace in the simple joys of nature.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Betty Whitlock; daughters, Kathy Francis and Kristy Mauldin (Ronnie); grandchildren, Katie Shelton (John) and Hunter Mauldin; great-granddaughter, Annamarie Shelton. He will also be dearly missed by his siblings, Gary Whitlock, Billy Whitlock, Marlene Wilson, Sarah Dillinger, and Linda Sue Alexander. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Sarah Whitlock, and brothers, David and Cecil Whitlock.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens, SC, with the funeral service following at 2:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held immediately after.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Greenville, SC.

Those who knew him will forever remember Milton’s faith, creativity, and generosity. His favorite hymn, “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” speaks to the devotion he lived by and the legacy he leaves behind.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.