Mr. Whitley is survived by daughter, Vangie Whitley (Cindy) of Charlotte; son, Patrick Whitley (Patty) of AL; grandchildren, Kelly Whitley Miller (Andrew) of PA, Paige Schwarz, serving in the Peace Corps, and Kyle Whitley of FL; great granddaughter, Norah Anne Miller of PA; sisters, Brenda Hamilton of Monroe and Jane Baucom (Donnie) of Monroe; brothers, Lane Whitley (Debbie) of Monroe and Eddie Whitley (Sandra) of Monroe and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gene is preceeded in death by father, Vergil Whitley, mother, Mary York Whitley, brother, James (Sherrill) Whitley, late wife, Barbara (Simpson) Whitley and brother-in-law, Roy Hamilton.
Gene was born on December 5th, 1938 in Charlotte and attended Unionville High School where he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball. With his brother Sherrill, he founded Whitley Brothers Construction Company in 1950's. Gene was an accomplished carpenter, skilled at crafting beautiful homes with exquisite staircases and finish work. He was passionate about his craft and taught many family members the carpentry trade. In earlier days, Gene was a skilled archer, avid golfer and devoted much of his free time to his Masonic Lodge, where he proudly attained 32nd Degree (Scottish Rite) Freemason.
In more recent years, Gene dedicated his time to family. He was most fond of discussing all that’s wrong with today’s sports teams, loved watching NASCAR, could tell you any historical fact about the UNC Tar Heels, and dearly enjoyed his yearly Christmas visits with his grandchildren (his angels and his all-American). He will be long remembered for his proficiency and love of storytelling and his witty, anecdotal sayings, all delivered in his gentle, deliberate voice. Memorial contributions may be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
The family will receive friends from 5:00pm until 7:00pm Saturday, March 24, 2018 at McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe. A service to celebrate Gene's life will be held 2:00pm Sunday, March 25th, in McEwen Funeral Home's Colonial Chapel, Monroe NC, followed by internment at Rocky River Truelight Church Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.mcewenmonroechapel.com. The family would like to thank Carolina Healthcare System Pineville doctors and nurses for their care and dedication.
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