Juan Wells Whittington

Juan Wells Whittington departed this earth suddenly on May 21, 2026.

He was born on December 31, 1943, in Salta Province, Argentina, the second son of John Roy and Louise Pendry Whittington. When Juan was two years old, the family returned to the United States and the family farm in Amelia, Virginia, where he lived and worked for most of his 82 years.

On June 20, 1970, he married Linda Wynkoop in Alexandria, Virginia, beginning a loving partnership that would have reached 56 years next month.

Juan was preceded in death by his parents, a sister-in-law, Joyce Leonard, and by his daughter, Jill. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 56 years, Linda; his daughter, Lauren; his son, Colin (Robyn); and six beloved grandchildren who brought him immense joy: Evangeline, Sawyer, Delia, Mary Lou, June, and Althea. He is also survived by his brothers, DeWitt “Dee” (Janet) and Rankin (Sandy); his brother-in-law, Melvin “Buddy” Wynkoop (Connie); four nieces; two nephews; and a host of cousins and extended family members.

After graduating from Amelia High School in 1962, Juan attended Guilford College, graduating in 1967. He went on to pursue a master’s degree in foreign affairs at the University of Virginia, where he met Linda. In 1968, Juan returned to Amelia to teach history and economics at Russell Grove High School. Following integration, he joined the faculty of the newly established Amelia County High School, where he taught government and economics during its inaugural 1969-70 school year.

By the mid-1970s he was farming full-time, and in the early 1980s he expanded the family operation by establishing a certified seed business. Over the next four decades, Featherstone Farm grew into a thriving grain, seed, and beef cattle operation. Today, the farm is managed by his son, Colin, the fourth generation of the family to steward the land.

Juan was one of the first farmers in Virginia to adopt the no-till farming technique, and he was widely known and respected throughout the Commonwealth’s agricultural community. He served for many years on the Virginia Soybean Checkoff Board and was a past president of the Virginia Soybean Association. He was also deeply involved in his local community, serving as a director of the Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District, a member of the Amelia Planning Commission and the Amelia Ruritan Club, and as a founding member of the Amelia County Chamber of Commerce.

Juan had a lifelong love of music and found great joy in singing with local choirs and musical groups over the years, including the Commonwealth Chorale. He was also a longtime attendee of Richmond Friends Meeting. Juan’s life was rooted in family, faithfulness, and a lasting connection to the land he cherished and called home. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Amelia Presbyterian Church, located at 16401 Dunn Street, Amelia, VA 23002, with a celebration of life service to follow. Fellowship and a meal will be shared afterward. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Amelia County Food Pantry at P.O. Box 68, Jetersville, VA 23083 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Joseph McMillian Funeral Home, 1826 Cox Rd., Blackstone, VA 23824. www.mcmillianfuneralhome.com

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