Mr. Henry Whetstone Webb

Graveside services for Henry Whetstone Webb, age 90, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Magnolia Cemetery. The Rev. Ryan Goodroe and the Rev. Phil Thrailkill will officiate and Brown-Pennington-Atkins is serving the family. The family will receive friends Friday, December 2, 2011 from 5-7 p.m. at the home of Sally and Joe Regan, 1732 West Carolina Ave. Mr. Webb died December 1, 2011. Born June 28, 1921 in White Pond, SC, Aiken County, he was the son of the late Joseph Elijah and Sadie Whetstone Webb. He grew up on the family farm in Williston, SC and was preceded in death by five sisters and one brother. Henry attended Clemson University, graduating with an Agronomy Degree in 1943. The year following his graduation from Clemson, he completed officer candidate school and received his commission as an officer in the Airborne Infantry Division. Additionally, he trained and qualified as a glider trooper and paratrooper. Arriving in Europe with the 82nd Airborne, his first engagement in battle was an airlift into the Battle of the Bulge. Following the Battle of the Bulge, on March 24, 1945 he was in one of four airborne divisions assembled to participate in “Operation Varsity,” the glider invasion across the Rhine which began the final phase of the war. After World War II, he remained with the occupation forces in Berlin and then traveled to Paris where he spent several months studying at the Sorbonne. While there he had the opportunity to visit several very old seed companies in Paris, the experimental station at Versailles, the botanical gardens, flower breeders and many others. These studies at the Sorbonne were the beginning of his life long career in plant breeding and research. Returning home after separation from service in 1946, Henry began his career in plant breeding. He was employed with Coker’s Pedigreed Seed Company for 35 years as Director of Cotton Research. He was responsible for the development of numerous cotton varieties, not only popular in the US, but around the world. Being recognized as one of the world’s foremost cotton breeders, he traveled extensively in cotton producing areas of Mexico, Central America, Europe, and the Middle East. Because of his outstanding contributions to both cotton growers and soybean farmers, he received many awards and honors. Because of his commitment to service, Henry remained active in the Army Reserve program to include Artillery, Civil Affairs, Command and General staff. He retired from the Army Reserve in 1980 as a Colonel. Mr. Webb was a member of First Baptist Church and taught Sunday school for many years. Mr. Webb is survived by his wife, Nancy Bartholomew Webb of their home in Hartsville. He was predeceased by his first wife, Rebecca Kay Webb. His children are a son, Dr. Henry Michael Webb of Atlanta Ga., daughters, Susan W. (Eddie) Moore and Dr. Sally W. (Joe) Regan, all of Hartsville SC; stepson, Sean Devlin and stepdaughter, Shannon Devlin Merolla, both of New Jersey. He has five grandchildren: the late Matthew Webb Moore, Jordan Elizabeth Moore of Columbia SC, Jason Whetstone (Catherine) Regan of Mt Pleasant SC, Andrew Michael Regan of Florence, SC, and Joseph Wesley Regan of Hartsville, SC. The family wishes to thank the wonderful circle of friends and neighbors who have provided love and support for many years. Many thanks to the caring, committed caregivers at Hospice of Florence. Their gentle touch and caring hearts are so appreciated. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Matthew Webb Moore Scholarship Fund, Attn: Debbie Talbert, Carolina Bank, Box 819, Hartsville, SC 29550.

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Mr. Henry Whetstone Webb

June 28, 1921 - December 1, 2011