Stewart Wayne Whisnant

Stewart Wayne Whisnant on February 19, 2:34 pm Burke County lost an honorable and Respected native son. While our family lost its heart and Soul. Stewart (Wayne) Whisnant, the only son of Vernon Jackson and Pauline Elizabeth Guigou Whisnant, was delivered into this world on February 3, 1940. He graduated from Morganton High School June 1958. Joined the Marines in the summer of 1958. Received Industrial Engineering Degree from WPCC, June 1969, He graduated From Appalachian State University In 1972. A member of the first-Ever class with a Bachelor of Technology in Education and Business Degree. In 1964 he Worked for Drexel Furniture in the sample plant. From 1967-1972 while in college, he worked For Drexel Heritage in the Engineering Dept. Also worked Part-time at CVTI and WPCC During 1970-1972. He worked as a counselor-recruiter at McDowell Tech in 1972-1973. 1973-1978 he was employed with CVTI as coordinator of Occupational Education. 1977 Master of Arts in Public Administration Degree from Appalachian State University. He served Burke County in various Capacities. 1978-1979 Director of Administrative Services. April 1979-November Director of Budget and Administrative Services. December 1980 to February 1981 he served as Interim County Manager for Burke County. Served as County Manager from March 1981 through November 1982. He is the only Burke County native-son to ever Hold that position. Being a man of Integrity, he resigned the position. Quote: Stand for what is right Even if it means standing alone. In March 1983, he opened the Family business Whisnant's Wholesale Auto Parts, Inc. A business he owned and operated for twenty years. Always an avid fisherman; he fished Competitively on tournament Trails around the country. He was the leading force in the NC Bass Federation's conservation programs. In 1977 he was NC Bass Federation's BASSMASTER of the YEAR. 1978 he Was president of the NC Bass Federation. The National Bass Federation honored him With the B.A.S.S. Outstanding Achievement Award in Leadership, for his conservation Efforts to save NC rivers and lakes from red algae. He was a true-blue blood! A loyal fan of Both the Brooklyn (LA) Dodgers and the Duke Blue Devils Once a Marine, always a Marine. In 2005 a group of local Marines joined Together to form the MCL Det. 1197. Immediately started looking for service Projects. In May 2005, the Marines began Their first toy drive for TOYS for TOTS. Bill Dowdle and Wayne were the co-coordinators. They found their true calling. They were on a mission and they followed that mission with zeal. Until years later, when Wayne's Health limited his physical contributions. In 2017 Wayne was chosen Detachment 1197's Man of the Year for his years of devotion To Toys for Tots. Wayne was a man of many facets. He Always gave his best. He believed in family. He loved deeply. Those left behind who Shared that love are: His beloved wife of 60 Years, Paula Stroupe Whisnant. Their three sons and their families: Stewart Todd Whisnant, his wife Robin Cook Whisnant, Their children: Bronwyn Elizabeth Whisnant Coffey and Thomas Wesley Whisnant and grandchild, Walker Anderson Coffey. Sanford (Sandy) Ryan Whisnant, his children: Juliana Nicole Whisnant (her companion, John Wrenn) And son Stewart Alexander Whisnant Kevin Jackson Whisnant, his wife Karin Brust Whisnant, Their children: Erika Kethry Whisnant and son Conlan Garik Whisnant. Wayne's longtime friend, fishing buddy and brother in spirit, Charles Ramsey. Melita Whisnant a daughter and friend.The family will receive friends from 2pm until 3pm, Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Pleasant View Baptist Church. A memorial service will follow in the church at 3pm.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.