David Alan Whitney

David graduated Michigan Technical University with a degree in Chemical Engineering and their Army ROTC Program. He was hired by Goodyear out of college but honored his commitment to the Army and was given credit for his years of service toward his retirement. He proudly served in the Army post college from 1962 - 1965 as an officer working with chemical engineering, was a Paratrooper based at Fort Bragg and left his service as a Captain. He enjoyed a long career with Goodyear beginning in 1965 and traveled the world developing rubber compounds used to develop tires. He moved approximately 15 times with Goodyear before settling in Fayetteville, NC. He chose to return to NC because he enjoyed living in Fayetteville and his love for sailing. After retirement, he moved to New Bern to be near his boat, Silent Pursuit, and was an active member of Blackbeard Sailing Club (BSC) and NYRA. He served as Commodore and Vice Commodore for BSC for many years and enjoyed many friendships with fellow sailors. Racing sailboats was his passion and he enjoyed sailing up and down the East Coast, and as far as Bermuda and the Florida Keys.

David is survived by his wife of 36 years, Gay Whitney and their beloved dogs, Daisy and Louie; five daughters, Lisa Kennedy (James), Kimberly Brooks (James), Erica Haaseth (Mitchell), Melissa Cline (David) and Stephanie Taylor (Eric); grandchildren, Taylor Kennedy (Rachel), Bailey Kennedy, James Brooks, Jr. (Amber), Jeffrey Brooks (Evin), James C. Brooks, Charles Brooks, Whitney Smith (Eric), Travis Haaseth, Miles Cline, Sebastian Cline, Liam Cline, Jace Taylor, and Joy Taylor; great-grandchildren, Audrey and Aurelia Kennedy, Beckett and Juliet Brooks, Cyrus and Ophelia Brooks; sister, Nancy Bohne; and many loving family members and close friends.

He is preceded in death by his dad and stepmother, Willard and Wanda Whitney and his mother and stepfather, Norman and Valeria Niehaus.

A celebration of David's Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Blackbeard Sailing Club located at 1215 Barkentine Drive, New Bern, NC 28560.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of David Alan Whitney. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com for the Whitney family.