John Wayne Whitener

Mr. John Wayne Whitener, 70, of 1236 West Lebanon Street, Mount Airy, passed away Monday, November 19, 2007, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Mr. Whitener was born November 13, 1937, in Burke County, to Horace Lee and Jessie Mae Gant Whitener. Wayne spent his adult life in service to others. Wayne served in the National Guard for nearly 11 years. He served in many branches of law enforcement, including the Hickory Police Department, North Carolina Highway Patrol, North Carolina DMV Enforcement, United States Marshals Service, and, most recently, Security Consultants. Mr. Whitener served as chief deputy with the Surry County Sheriff's Department from 1974 to 1978, under the Robert Montgomery administration. Through the years, Wayne taught classes at Surry Community College. Wayne was also a faithful member of Shining Light Baptist Church. During his devoted service to the Lord, he was an adult Sunday school teacher, a choir member, and a church trustee. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Ann Preslar Whitener of the home; two daughters and their friends, Cindy Whitener and Bucky Williams of Troy and Kim Whitener and Ken Gwyn of Winston-Salem; a son and daughter-in-law, Mitchell and Susan Whitener of Advance; four grandchildren, Beth Johnson of Winston-Salem, Christopher Wray and special friend, Michelle Nugent, of Apex, Adam Wray of Troy, and Kinston Whitener of Advance; his mother, Jessie Mae Gant Whitener of Morganton; a brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Linda Whitener of Albemarle; and a special pet, Mr. Winston. Mr. Whitener was preceded in death by his father, Horace Lee Whitener; and a sister, Dorothy Whitener. The family will receive friends Wednesday, November 21, 2007, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. The funeral service will be held Friday, November 23, 2007, at 2:00 PM at Shining Light Baptist Church. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Elmo Hiatt, the Rev. Larry Crouse, the Rev. Dean Eaton, and the Rev. Junior Dawson. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.