Rev. Whitener

Rev. Forrest Elliott "Dick" Whitener, 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 8, 2018, at home. He was born April 22, 1936 in Gaston County, son of the late Jacob Eugene and Kathryn Jamison Whitener.

Rev. Dick Whitener pastored in Wesleyan Churches and was interim pastor at numerous other churches. He was known for his great love of God and his love for singing. Rev. Whitener was a longtime chaplain for the Gaston County Sheriff's Office.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Betty Rose Kiser Whitener; brothers Rodney Whitener, Eddie Whitener.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife Jean Hall Brannon Whitener; sons Rev. Scott Whitener and wife Judy of Bessemer City, Chris Whitener and wife Cindy of Denver, NC; daughters Melinda Whitener of Rock Hill, SC, Beth Sarratt and husband Chris of Chesnee, SC; extended sons Bill Rush, Chad Caldwell and Jim Brown; sisters Pat Yarbrough, Jane Taylor; granddaughter Olivia Burrell and husband Wes of Fort Mill, SC; many nieces and nephews.

His family will receive friends Wednesday, January 10, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at First Wesleyan Church Family Life Center of Bessemer City.

Rev. Whitener's funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 11, 2018 at First Wesleyan Church Family Life Center of Bessemer City with Rev. Wes Brown, Rev. Jerry Millwood, Rev. Jerry Lumston, Rev. Scott Whitener officiating. Honorary Pallbearers will be North Carolina Wesleyan ministers.

Interment will follow at Pisgah United Methodist Church Cemetery, Lincolnton.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Samantha's House, Inc. c/o Cornell Thomas, 5412 Creek Run Ct., Kings Mountain, NC 28086