Whitfield Brown East Jr., known as “Whit,” was born in Forsyth County in 1921. He was educated in the local schools, and at Salem College and the University of Oklahoma.
He began working at the YMCA in aquatics at a young age. He joined the Army in 1942 and was a decorated veteran. He was wounded at Normandy, and was reassigned to work as a physical training instructor at a convalescent center for wounded GIs.
He returned to Winston-Salem and the YMCA following his time in service, and worked there altogether over 50 years. He taught many children and adults to swim, and was a water therapist for the handicapped. He retired in 1987 as the Director of Community Relations of the YMCA.
Whit was active in many community organizations and received honors and achievements from these organizations.
Whit passed away in 2001.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
