Bennett Whitlock Obituary

On March 20, 2025, Bennett Clarke Whitlock Jr, former President of American Trucking Associations (ATA), passed away at the age of 97. He was predeceased by his parents, Bennett C. and Isabel Whitlock, and by a sister, Barbara Whitlock Price. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Elizabeth (Betty) Marshall Whitlock, their two children and their spouses, Elizabeth Rock (Mike) and Bennett C. Whitlock III (Gayle). He also leaves behind five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by a nephew Clark Price and a niece Anne Price Warhola.

Bennett was born in 1927 in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. He graduated from Berkeley High School where his mother taught school. He received his BA from Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, where he was President of the Student Body, a member of the Blue Key Leadership Society, and the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina, in Columbia, South Carolina, and his B.S.F.S from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

While studying at Georgetown, Bennett took a part time job at ATA to pay for school. Little did he know it would be a lifelong career. Starting as a research assistant, he held various positions at ATA until ultimately becoming the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 1975 and the President in 1976. He was the President of ATA until he retired in 1985, concluding a 36-year career at the Association. During his tenure as President, he led the trucking industry through the tumultuous period of deregulation which began in the 1970s and continued into the 1980s. He was recognized for his professionalism, knowledge, humor, and especially his candor (which was legendary). For his accomplishments, he was named the Transportation Man of the Year in 1982. In retirement, he and Betty split their time between Northern Virginia and Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

Bennett was a member of many associations and organizations, including serving two terms on the Board of Visitors of Mary Washington College where he served as Rector of the Board for two years. In addition, he received the Gold Block P from Presbyterian College, an award given to outstanding alumni, and he was made a member of The Order of the Palmetto by the State of South Carolina, its highest civilian award.

Bennett was a loyal fan to anything sports related in Washington, D.C., especially the football team. As a season ticket holder, he enjoyed his Sundays in the Fall and the cold of Winter tailgating and going to the games at RFK Stadium. Of course, he was also a fierce supporter of Presbyterian College and the University of South Carolina. He always expressed great joy when South Carolina beat Clemson in - well - anything. Bennett was also known for his prowess on the tennis court and at the Bridge table. He continued his Bridge playing to the very end.

Throughout his life, what mattered most to him was his family and friends. His network of friends was important to him, and they were nationwide. He was known for his competitiveness in games, compassion in life, and his goodwill and humor. Still, he liked nothing better than spending time with his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and more recently, his great grandchildren. Whether it was a family reunion, grilling ribs or steaks at the beach at Cove Point, playing games, helping solve a problem, teaching his grandkids how to ride a bike on the beaches of Kiawah Island or going to their sporting events, recitals and graduations, or watching his great grandkids create havoc around him, he was always a larger than life presence in his family's lives. He will be missed by many.

A private memorial service will be held on April 6, 2025, at the Greenspring Senior Living Center's Chapel in Springfield, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, Bennett requested that contributions be made in his memory to Presbyterian College's President's Scholarship Fund. The web address is www.presby.edu - giving page and designate The President's Scholarship Fund. The address is 503 South Broad Street, Clinton, South Carolina 29325. Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home is handling all other arrangments.