Oscar Ray Whitehurst

From Gayle Bender: Daddy passed on Saturday, December 24, 2022, "Christmas Eve". The Lord knew it was time for my dad to go home in Heaven to be with my mom and sister. They are all rejoicing, thank the Lord. My dad was a Christian and had a gentle soul. He got along with everyone and would do anything for you. He enjoyed and loved his family very much. He loved all of his grandchildren and great grandkids. He will be missed, but I know that he is celebrating with his mama, daddy, brothers, sisters, and all his family and friends that are in Heaven. Especially "Mama and Diane." Daddy was a Shriner and a Mason who loved driving his "little red car" in the New Bern parades and surrounding counties. I was so very blessed to have you as my daddy. I love you with all my heart. "Love You Daddy."

Oscar is survived by his daughter, Gayle Whitehurst Bender, son Herman Franks and wife, Mary Jean, grandson Jeffery Byrd and his children Lela, Ella and Sophi, and great great grandson Sebastian, granddaughter Jennifer Byrd Golden and children Reese and Bryce, granddaughter Wendy Byrd, granddaughter Courtney McDougal and husband Mike and children Brody, Bella and Melody, grandson, Brian Franks and wife Nikki and children Layla, Molly, Matthew and Gwen, and grandson Chad Franks and wife Tracey and children Taylor and Nick.

He is predeceased by his parents Lonnie and Jesse Whitehurst, sister, Doris Whitehurst-Toler, daughter Diane Whitehurst, twin brother Arthur Ray Whitehurst and brother Jesse DeWitt Whitehurst.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 616 Broad St, New Bern, NC 28560 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 pm. He will be laid to rest following the service at the Lakeside Chapel in Greenleaf Memorial Cemetery with Masonic Rites. Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Oscar Ray Whitehurst.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com for the Whitehurst family.