Deputy Sheriff Marcus Lyman Whitfield Greenville County Sheriff's Office South Carolina Friday, August 13, 1999  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 32 of 33 of 3

Its hard to believe thats its been 10 years. There isnt a day that goes by that i dont think about you. You was the first friend i had when i moved to Easley. I fondly rememeber backing over your parents mailbox, what an embarassment. Those are one of the many memories i will cherish for the rest of my life. Thank you for being a true friend

Anonymous

2009-08-24

Hard to believe you have been gone 10 years breaks my heart to think about it, miss you so so much!

your always in my heart

Anonymous

2009-08-11

I miss you so much you have been on my mind alot latley its your birthday.

Love you always!

Anonymous

2009-01-06

Its Been A Long Time Since That Tragic Night On Roper Mountain Road, I Still Remember The Details As If It Happened Yesterday. Not A Single Day Passes That I Dont Wonder Why You Were Killed And The Rest Of Us Survived. Rest In Peace Brother, I Know You Are With God

KDH
DEPUTY SHERIFF
2008-09-21

RIP

Anonymous

2008-09-08

Marc's like continues to touch all those who knew him. His character, dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

We keep his family in our prayers.

BE

Anonymous

2008-09-05

Hey Partner. Your still fondly remembered. I remember when we both started on Adam on the same month. We worked the same beat area's in Southern Command, backed each other up often, and had fun doing it! You were a great Cop. How I got labeled a "head-hunter" and you didn't was beyond me. Sorry it took this long to leave a reflection, your death hit me hard, your wake & funeral even harder (it was the last one I ever attended) I also remember signing off-duty that early morning 15 minutes before "the call" went out. Of course I got the phone call later that morning:(

Marcus was a natural at many things. He was naturally good at bowling, and always kicked my butt at it. He was a natural at shooting, boy that use to aggrevate me. I was still quicker than you though! He also had the "dry" sense of humor that always made me laugh.

Still praying for your family around this time of year. I'm sure they miss you. - Keeping the Faith...Ross

R.D Brackett
Fmr. Deputy - GCSO
2008-08-15

Just a reminder that Deputy Whitfield has not been forgotten. I'm remembering to pray for his family on this tough day.

Deputy
Dorchester County
2008-08-13

I was with the United States Attorney General last night as he gave an address at the Law Enforcement Memorial candlelight service. It reminded be of the sacrifice you made. Seeing the faces of so many survivors reminded me of the pain of your lose. You are not forgotten.

SA
FBI Attorney General's Protection Detail
2008-05-14

Marc was a baby sitter for me and my brother when we were younger. He always made us smile and laugh, and my parents still talk about his courteous, yet jovial nature. Marc will always be remembered for his heroism in the face of cowardice. You left us too soon, but I believe your life story has inspired many to reflect and take an account of how we live. Thanks for the good times, Marc.

Robert Hall
Childhood friend
2007-12-12

Many years ago, I gave up trying to understand why people do the things that Cory Harris did.

What I will never give up is honoring the memories of those such as Deputy Whitfield.

Thank You for having served Greenville County, which is home to many I know.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
2007-08-13

Deputy Whitfield you are not forgotten Thank you for your willingness to serve your fellowman. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
2007-08-13

IT IS NOT HOW THESE MEN DIED
THAT MADE THEM HERO'S,
BUT IT IS HOW THEY LIVED.
AMW

WE ARE SO PROUD OF EACH ONE, THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE AND TO THOSE WHO ARE STIL SERVING US.

MOTHER OF A FALLEN DEPUTY IN TENNESSEE

2007-08-09

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept.
2007-07-09

My 3 1/2 year old Grandson is named Marcus. His
Grandfather and his Dad's best friend are cops in
Bellingham, WA. Marcus enjoys writing citations and
declares that he's "a policeman, too!" It is such a
noble, but dangerous profession. Marcus, you have a
darling smile and it's easy to see you loved what you did and made a positive impact. It's too bad there is an
evil presence in our society that makes your job necessary, but thanks for having the guts to wear that
uniform. May God mend the broken pieces, He has all
the time in the world.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

2007-06-05

As a Reserve Deputy with the Greeville County Sheriff's Office I rode with Marcus many times and he made me feel like his equally.
My last memory of Marcus was the previous Saturday when I was working with another Deputy and we were out on a vehicle stop and called for a back up - who showed u-yes Marcus.
His funeral, which I had the honor to attend. was one of the most moving experiences of my life.

Donald F McInally
Former Reserve Deputy Greenville County Sheriffs Office
2007-05-16

It is hard to believe that eight years have passed since the night Marc's life was taken from him. I will never forget the sacrifice he made or how he took charge of the scene that night. Marcus was truly a good person who cared for others.

MASTER DEPUTY BRAD MCALISTER
GREENVILLE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE
2007-05-02

Marcus and I have been fishing together up off Hwy 11 in northern Greenville County. I met him through a mutual friend during our endeavors. He is best described as a person everyone liked and admired. I think of him all the time especially when I see someone else smile while catching a fish. Hope you're catching them for all of us up there! I miss you! J.W.

Formerly Deputy II, J. W.
Greenville County Sheriff's Office
2007-01-11

Although I never met Marcus I felt the significance of his loss. Earlier in the year, we lost one of our own in a tragic incident. It's hard to feel the connection to someone you've never met unless you've gone through a similar experience. We heard about it down in Charleston and it opened up those wounds again. I remember how deeply affected I was by Marcus's death because of problems with our own Waffle Houses. However, it wasn't until I met Marcus' mother(unsuspectedly) and one of her friends on a subway train in D.C. during the police memorial in 2000. There were only a couple of us on the train, and being in a big city I felt obligated to make sure that the two ladies got to their destination safely.I noticed that Ms. Whitfield had a memorial band on her arm, and for some reason I felt like I knew who she was there for. After striking up a small conversation with her she told me who she was, and asked me if I knew what happened to Marcus. I told her that I was familiar and that she didn't have to explain any further. I'll tell you that I was deeply moved by her graceful handling and discussion of Marcus'death. I know that she felt like she had been betrayed by those two that shot him. They reminded her of the same kids that she had been teaching in her school everyday. I knew what she meant, she wanted to say to those two, "How dare you, I've poured my life into low income area schools, how could you repay me by taking my son's life." Even so there was no bitterness in her voice. I will never forget meeting her.I hope Ms. Whitfield, that God has supplied you with the grace and strength that you have needed over the past 7. years. His love never fails.Jesus said, "See, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me, to repay all according to their deeds. I am the Alpha, and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End(Rev. 22:12-13,NLT)."Take comfort that the Lord is true and righteous, and his judgement will bring true justice, and peace to your heart.-John

Sgt. John T Reeves
Charleston PD
2006-12-06

I just wrote a paper about you last week! Miss you so so so much! I love you!

2006-11-08

Marc, you are truly missed by myself and the rest of us here at the Greenville County Sheriif's Office. You are often in my thoughts and you and your family are in my prayers. Rest In Peace My Brother!

Master Deputy Reuben Black
Greenville County Sheriff's Office
2006-08-25

To the family and loved ones of Deputy Sheriff Marcus Lyman Whitfield and his fellow officers with the Greenvile County Sheriff's Department:

On this the seventh anniversary of Marc's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Although I never had the privilege of meeting Marc, I feel as if I know him through the loving reflections left by loved ones and friends. Marc's valor and courage will never be forgotten.

I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Marc was robbed of his life so young and so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

Hopefully, the parole hearing resulted in the continued incarceration of the scum that shot Marc. Marc's murderer should not even be eligible for parole.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Marc gave to his community and the citizens of South Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 15, 1999.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

2006-08-14

TO THE FAMILY OF DEPUTY WHITFIELD:
REMEMBERING MARC ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEATH.
(THAT WORD IS SO HARD TO TYPE/SAY. IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE NOT HERE. IT FEELS LIKE THEY ARE JUST AWAY DOING SOMETHING AND THAT THEY WILL WALK IN THE DOOR ANY MINUTE.)
GOD BLESS YOU AND GIVE YOU THE COMFORT THAT YOU NEED NOW AND ALWAYS.

LORRAINE BOND (MOTHER)
HAMILTON COUNTY, TN. DEPUTY SHERIFF:
DONALD K. BOND, JR.
EOW: 09.06.01

2006-08-13

I just wanted to say that I received an e-mail regarding the parole hearing coming up for the maggot that did this to you, and myself and the family of a fallen Deputy (Blake Gammill) here in GA wrote a letter contesting this parole. It shouln't even be an option. This maggot needs to stay behind bars(he should actually be put to death). We pray that he is kept behind bars!

Shelley Bullock
R.E.C.O.N. Intelligence Search and Rescue
2006-08-01

You have been gone so long,
Our thoughts of your are stil string.
You served us well,
You rewards will be great.


to your family our love and thoughts and prayers are with you

Jeanine Williams
GCEMS
2006-04-16