David Raiff Whitmire

David Raiff Whitmire, 92, of Dover, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 4, 2003, at Park Village Assisted Living in Dover.Born July 30, 1911 in New Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Theodore and Anna Clara (Raiff) Whitmire. While Raiff was a student in the Dover school system, he shared his talents of singing, dancing, and playing the piano at the New Philadelphia Opera House and as an actor in the famous Elks’ Ministrels. He also was an active member with the Dover Historical Society and the Ohio Historical Society. After graduating from Dover High School, Raiff began his professional career working for the Dover and Washington, D. C. Post Offices. During WWII, he was employed by Weslinghouse in Canton, and then the IRS in New Philadelphia. Prior to retirement, Raiff owned the Bus Station in New Philadelphia. Raiff has been a life member of both the New Philadelphia Moose since 1944 and the Dover Elks since 1946.He is survived by his loving daughter, Shirley (Jack) Davis of New Philadelphia; grandchildren, Brock (Suzanne) Davis of Stillwater, OH, Celily (Ken) Fincher of Bolivar, and Scott (Michele) Davis of New Philadelphia; a niece, Mrs. William (Mary Ann) Ellwood; and four great-grandchildren.In addition to his parents, Raiff was preceded in death by his wife, the former Ellen Kathryn Whitmire in 2000, and his sister, Gertrude R. Potschner.Raiff and Ellen will be buried together at Dover Burial Park, following a graveside service celebrating their lives. Pastor Jim Borton will be officiating the graveside service at a later date.