Orrillius "Mr. Belvedere" Whitehead
March 20, 2021
Orrillius Whitehead known to many as Lee was born to the late Rozener and Saul Whitehead in Las Vegas Nevada. Lee was a generous man and always put a smile on other’s faces, especially his loved ones.
As a child he loved Michael Jackson, dancing, music, and Christ. His dance moves were unmatched, allowing him to win several dance contests. His love of Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight led him to build a personal collection of their music.
He had a passion for electronics, fixing broken radios and nick- knacks and enjoyed buying and selling antiques from thrift stores.
One of Lee’s most important attributes in life was his love for Christ. He would hold Bible Study sessions for the neighborhood teens and all who were interested in attending. He held these sessions in the garage of his family home on Neldome Street in Altadena. He was passionate about teaching the Bible to anyone who would listen.
Lee was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Altadena, CA where he served as a pianist who played by ear. He also had a gift of spreading the word. Lee acquired the name “The Reverend” throughout Altadena and Pasadena. He listened to Bishop Roger G. Decuir and patterned his unique preaching style. For anyone who had questions about the Bible, Lee would be quick to show them a scripture to guide them. Two of his favorite scriptures were John 3: 16: [For God so loved the world …] and John 14: 1 [Do no let your heart be troubled…].
Lee was very fond of gardening and grew everything from tomatoes to watermelons in the gardens of his home that he purchased in Pasadena. His favorite food give visitors were mustard or collard greens along with an orange. His favorite holiday was Christmas; he would decorate his house with lights, displays, and music, easily making it one of the block’s main attractions during the holiday.
Later in life, Lee would become diabetic and go on dialysis. Despite his condition, he attended his mother’s funeral in May of 2019 and played a selection on the piano, even while taking the loss of her extremely hard. One of his last desires was to join his mom in heaven. He’d say, “I dreamed I was with mom in heaven and she was so happy”.
As a child he loved Michael Jackson, dancing, music, and Christ. His dance moves were unmatched, allowing him to win several dance contests. His love of Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight led him to build a personal collection of their music.
He had a passion for electronics, fixing broken radios and nick- knacks and enjoyed buying and selling antiques from thrift stores.
One of Lee’s most important attributes in life was his love for Christ. He would hold Bible Study sessions for the neighborhood teens and all who were interested in attending. He held these sessions in the garage of his family home on Neldome Street in Altadena. He was passionate about teaching the Bible to anyone who would listen.
Lee was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Altadena, CA where he served as a pianist who played by ear. He also had a gift of spreading the word. Lee acquired the name “The Reverend” throughout Altadena and Pasadena. He listened to Bishop Roger G. Decuir and patterned his unique preaching style. For anyone who had questions about the Bible, Lee would be quick to show them a scripture to guide them. Two of his favorite scriptures were John 3: 16: [For God so loved the world …] and John 14: 1 [Do no let your heart be troubled…].
Lee was very fond of gardening and grew everything from tomatoes to watermelons in the gardens of his home that he purchased in Pasadena. His favorite food give visitors were mustard or collard greens along with an orange. His favorite holiday was Christmas; he would decorate his house with lights, displays, and music, easily making it one of the block’s main attractions during the holiday.
Later in life, Lee would become diabetic and go on dialysis. Despite his condition, he attended his mother’s funeral in May of 2019 and played a selection on the piano, even while taking the loss of her extremely hard. One of his last desires was to join his mom in heaven. He’d say, “I dreamed I was with mom in heaven and she was so happy”.
Sibling’s Favorite Memories of Lee
Mom, Lonnie and Leo together with Lee. They would get together, take turns playing the piano, and sing every time they were under the same roof.
My brother Orrillius aka Mr. Belvedere: I reflect back to when Orrillius would save me from the switch. Mom would tell me to clean the house and I wouldn't. He would come to my rescue. He made sure I had lunch, go to the skating rink, and go swimming at Dolittle Park. What can I say? We loved each other and he did a lot for me. The love we shared will live on in my heart always and forever.