Whitlock worked for American Trucking Associations for 36 years, culminating in his appointment as president in 1976. (SunJae Smith/American Trucking Associations)
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Bennett Clarke Whitlock Jr., who helped steer the trucking industry through deregulation in the late 1970s and early 1980s, has died. He was 97.
Whitlock worked for American Trucking Associations for 36 years, culminating in his appointment as president in 1976.
The South Carolina native joined ATA while pursuing foreign service studies at Georgetown University in Washington and remained a member until retirement in 1985.
Whitlock was known for his professionalism, knowledge, humor and particularly his candor.
A succession of U.S. presidents starting with Dwight Eisenhower advocated for deregulation of trucking before it finally took place in 1980.
In a 2008 history of ATA released to celebrate the trade association’s 75th anniversary, Whitlock described deregulation as a huge challenge. Some parties saw opportunity. Others feared damage.
“Trying to keep everybody in the tent was the toughest job we had. We couldn’t solve one problem for one group without creating a problem for another,” he said.
Before arriving in Washington to further his education, Whitlock earned an undergraduate degree from Presbyterian College and law degree from the University of South Carolina, both in his home state.
Whitlock would later be honored with The Order of the Palmetto by the State of South Carolina, its highest civilian award.
He was a supporter of the sports teams of Presbyterian College and University of South Carolina, as well as Washington-area franchises. He was a season ticket holder of the then-Washington Redskins.
After retiring, Whitlock and his wife of 67 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Marshall Whitlock, split their time between Northern Virginia and Kiawah Island, S.C.
Whitlock is survived by Betty, their two children and their spouses, Elizabeth Rock (Mike) and Bennett C. Whitlock III (Gayle), plus five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by a nephew, Clark Price, and a niece, Anne Price Warhola.
Throughout his life, what mattered most to Whitlock was family and friends.
In his latter years, he was most fond of spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and more recently, his great-grandchildren.
Whitlock was an avid tennis and bridge player, a passion he maintained to the end.
Born in Moncks Corner, S.C., Whitlock was predeceased by his parents, Bennett C. and Isabel Whitlock, and a sister, Barbara Whitlock Price.
Whitlock died in Springfield, Va., on March 20.
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