NORFOLK, Va. — The family of Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker is inviting the public to honor and remember the boxing legend at a public funeral service in Norfolk.
The funeral service will be at Norfolk Scope on Saturday, July 20, 2019. A public viewing will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the service beginning at 11 a.m. It will be open to the public.
If you wish to send flowers, they can be sent to Metropolitan Funeral Home, located at 120 W. Berkley Avenue in Norfolk, Virginia, 23523.
Whitaker, 55, died after he was hit by a car in Virginia Beach on Sunday night.
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People who knew the boxing legend said he overcame several obstacles and was a great friend and mentor to many.
"You talk about coming from Young's Park, one of the most impoverished communities we have in Virginia and in the country, and Sweet Pea made it known that you can make it out and aspire to the heights of the world," said Virginia Beach City Councilman Aaron Rouse.
Whitaker was an Olympic gold medalist and champion boxer. The Norfolk native was considered one of the best lightweight boxers to ever live.