Dr. David Gilmer Wharton, 75, died Sunday, September 25, 2022, at Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi. There are no services planned at this time.
Dr. Wharton was born on August 9, 1947, to the late William and Margaret Wharton. His family was from Greensboro, NC, but he spent most of his formative years in New Jersey. Earning his Bachelor’s Degree from Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, Dr. Wharton then continued his studies by obtaining his Master’s of Fine Arts in Photography and his PhD in American Studies from The University of Texas. In 1999, he moved to Oxford, MS, to teach at the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi, becoming the Director of Documentary Studies. Dr. Wharton was passionate about the South and enjoyed teaching his students about its culture and history. A gifted photographer, he published four award-winning books of photography, documenting the southern landscape and culture he so loved. One of his greatest joys in life was taking drives through the south to make photos. This was second only to the joy he found in spending time with his wife and children.
Dr. Wharton is survived by his beloved wife, Marianne Wharton; daughter, Emily Wharton of Somerville, MA; son, Samuel Wharton and his wife, Dena of Sacramento, CA; brother, Chris Wharton and his wife Suwanee of Baltimore, MD, and sisters-, brothers-in-laws, nieces and nephews who loved spending time with him.
If you would like to, please make a donation to the Center for the Study of Southern Culture in honor of his life’s work.
