Arvel Gene "Whitey" Whisnant

Arvel Gene "Whitey" Whisnant, 75 of Morganton, NC died Saturday, January 4, 2014 at Autumn Care of Drexel. Born May 19, 1938 in Burke County, NC, he was a son of the late William Sydney "Dick" Whisnant and Mamie Secrest Whisnant. Gene was a member of Nowlings Chapel Freewill Baptist Church and was a retired employee of Henredon Furniture Co. He always loved helping others. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Mae Brittain Whisnant; and brothers, Bennett, Ed, Ervin, and Dickie Whisnant.Surviving are his daughter, Robin Key and husband, James of Morganton; grandchildren, Weston and Raven Key; great grandchild, Parker Short; and sisters, Catherine Rector, Margaret Smith, and Sue Walker and husband, Larry all of Morganton.The funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2014 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center with the Reverend Darvy Hensley officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for thirty minutes before the service.