Autry Hartin Whitmore

On Tuesday, February 9, 2021, Autry “Gene” Hartin Whitmore a loving father, grandpa, brother and uncle died at the age of 74. Autry was born on June 7, 1946 in North Carolina to the late James and Thestle Whitmore. Autry was a proud descendent of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation. He served for 5 years in the United States Army, serving time in Korea and Germany. While in the Army he participated in kick boxing and enjoyed playing the saxophone in the army band. Upon returning home from the service Autry took over the family business of Whitmore Lawn Service and Landscaping. Many times, while attending family birthday parties if he thought your landscaping needed trimmed, he was grabbing his tools to help. He also worked for Indiana Auto Auction and was a driving instructor for North American Van Lines. Autry had a passion for helping people. During the 1978 blizzard he transported nurses back and forth to Lutheran Hospital. This is where his CB code name “Snow Fighter” came about. Autry loved to dance, sing, and was quick witted with an infectious smile. He also enjoyed Nascar racing and was a huge fan of Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Bill Elliot. He is survived by his daughter, Stefanie Derrick of Granbury, Texas; step-son, Eric Wilkins of Dallas, Texas; two grandchildren, Megan and Matthew Derrick; sisters, Ethel (Steve) Randolph of Fort Wayne, Indiana and LaBonnie (David) Rodewald of Daytona, Florida; brother, Vincent (Karen) Whitmore of Fort Wayne, Indiana; several nieces and nephews; and his loyal companion, Smokey the cat. Autry had a very special bond with his beloved niece, Denise Mabry who took care of him for the last 15 years. She was his angel on earth. A celebration of life will be done in the summer to honor Autry’s wishes. “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” Romans 10:9.