Christopher Vernon Whitt, affectionately known as “Ferf,” went to be with his Heavenly Father on October 30, 2026, at the age of 33. Though his time here was far too short, the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the memories he created will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Christopher and his wife Barbara Jacklyn were high school sweethearts who shared 10 years of marriage and built a life centered around love, family, and faith. His greatest pride and most treasured blessing in life were his three children: Zemberlyn, Steele, and Skyler Bea.
Being their daddy was the role he cherished most, and everything he did carried the hope of giving them a life full of love, laughter, and lasting lessons.
Christopher proudly served his country in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant (E-5) as a 13B Cannon Crewmember in Field Artillery from 2011 to 2015. Following his military service, he continued his career working at FCI Beckley as a Recreation Suprevisor. He carried the dedication, strength, and work ethic he developed throughout his life into everything he did.
Outside of work, Christopher found happiness in the outdoors. He loved floating the New River bass fishing, and deer hunting, but nothing compared to his love for spring gobbler season. He looked forward to it so much that he kept a yearly countdown until turkey season arrived. Whether hunting public land or simply enjoying time outside, he felt most at home surrounded by nature.
Christopher took just as much pride in cheering his children on as he did teaching them life’s lessons. He loved watching his daughter, Zemberlyn, play basketball and watching his son, Steele, take the football field and wrestling mat. He was proud of each of his children and loved being there to support them, encourage them, and watch them grow.
Whether he was coaching, cheering from the sidelines, teaching them about the outdoors, taking them turkey hunting, or embarrassing them with an unexpected song and dance in the middle of a store or a turkey call at school drop-off, he made sure they knew just how much their daddy loved them.
He believed in teaching his children the importance of hard work, how to find laughter even in difficult moments, and how to see the good in everyone. But above all, he wanted to plant the most important seed in their hearts: a love for Jesus.
To Christopher, fatherhood wasn’t simply about raising children; it was about raising good-hearted people who worked hard, found laughter in difficult moments, saw the good in others, and most importantly, loved Jesus.
Christopher had a way of finding beauty even in life’s hardest situations. He was happy, full of life, and had a special ability to read a room and bring light into it when things felt heavy.
He knew how to make people laugh when they needed it most and could find something good even when circumstances were far from good.
He never needed a special occasion to make a memory. He would sing and dance with his children right in the middle of a store, even if it embarrassed them. Those little moments, which may have seemed ordinary at the time, will become some of the memories they hold closest to their hearts.
Christopher was a man of God whose faith was an important part of who he was. He wanted the people he loved to know Jesus and hoped his friends and family would dedicate their lives to Him. His favorite scripture was 1 Peter 1:3-5, a passage that speaks of the living hope found through the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of an imperishable inheritance.
His faith, his love for his family, and the way he encouraged others to find goodness in life will remain an important part of the legacy he leaves behind.
Christopher leaves behind his beloved wife Barbara Jacklyn of 10 years and his three precious children, Zemberlyn Whitt, Steele Whitt, and Skyler Bea Whitt, who were the center of his world.
He also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Tyler Toney who he loved sharing hunting/fishing stories and memories with; sister-in-law, Savanna Toney who he enjoyed picking on & loved dearly; nieces, Raevyn and River Toney, whom he loved as his own & enjoyed watching them grow; father-in-law and best friend, Roger Toney who taught him all the turkey hunting secrets; and mother-in-law, Becky Toney who always kept his coffee cup full & crack cake fresh. Eugene, Patricia and Dakota Rice for their cherished friendships who became more like family; along with many other family members and friends whose lives were made better by knowing him.
Christopher’s life cannot be measured by the number of years he was given, but by the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the memories he leaves behind. His children will carry his lessons, his laughter, his love of the outdoors, and his faith with them throughout their lives. His wife will carry the memories of their journey together, from high school sweethearts to building a family of their own.
He will be remembered for his big heart, his sense of humor, his love for his family, his devotion to his faith, and the way he could bring a little light into even the darkest days.
Until we meet again, Ferf. You were loved beyond words, and you will be missed beyond measure.
Service will be 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at Amazing Grace Worship Center, 210 First Avenue, Beckley, WV 25801 with Pastor Tommy Dove officiating.. Entombment will follow at Wallace Memorial Mausoleum, Clintonville. Friends may gather with the family at the church from 12:00 until time of service.
Chris would ask in lieu of flowers please send to his home church: Amazing Grace Worship Center, P.O. Box 883 Beckley, WV 25802
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.wallaceandwallacefh.com
Wallace & Wallace, Inc. of Rainelle, WV is in charge of arrangements.