Tributes paid after Market Drayton man found with head injuries dies
Tributes have been paid to a man who has died a week after being found lying in the street with severe head injuries in Market Drayton.
Graham Whittingham, 58, was discovered in Smithfield Road, Market Drayton, on June 14.
The town's mayor, Councillor David Minnery, said: "Locally I am sure we were all shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Graham Whittingham.
"I did not know Graham very well but I knew him well enough to know that he was a caring and loving father to his two young children, and he must be greatly missed by them.
"I hope our community is doing all it can to help his family in these sad times."
Market Drayton town councillor Tim Beckett, , said: "Graham was a guy who lived life to the full.
"He was a close friend of mine and came to my karaoke every week and we used to travel around the area to different karaokes. He was well liked by everyone.
"We had a lot of banter with him and he loved that and the classic was every week he used to walk in the pub and I announced over the microphone 'Whit has entered the building'.
"Last Friday was really strange and sad as Whit didn't enter the building as he is no longer with us. He will be sadly missed."
Mr Whittingham was a lodger at Robin Ainsworth's house in Market Drayton.
Mr Ainsworth said: "Graham was a peaceful, good natured farmer's son. He was a postman for years in Market Drayton.
"Helpful, sociable and a friendly loving father. He enjoyed walking and the countryside. It is an awfully sad loss. Shocking and unbelievable."
Mr Whittingham's friend Sian Rushton added: "He will be sadly missed by many people.
"He was a very good friend of mine and we had a good laugh together.
"He was very friendly and bubbly and I am going to miss him very much. Keep singing Whit."
Tributes have also been paid to Mr Whittingham on Facebook.
John Higginson posted: "To all the family and friends of Graham Whittingham, he was one of the kindest and inoffensive people I knew, he will be sadly missed, RIP."
Adrian Derek Harvey wrote: "RIP Whitty, first met you 30 years ago. Seen you about town regularly ever since, always smiling, always time for a natter.
"Not sure why the good go first sleep tight mate."
Mr Whittingham was discovered at about 12.08am on June 14 and investigations are now taking place to discover how he was hurt.
Detective Inspector Scott Harris of West Mercia Police said: "We would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time who may have seen Mr Whittingham, who was wearing a black coat, dark blue jeans with a belt, a white polo shirt with red trim and black shoes."
Anyone with information should call 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
