Bill Whitener Obituary

Dear Marge, I have thought about you and Bill many times over the years after you left Brandermill. As a young mother who moved to Virgina with 2 little girls, I always admired your charm, grace and style. Strange to believe but I am still in the same house in Winterberry Ridge and your house, tho it has changed hands several times, remains the Whitener house. Our younger daughter graduated from the College of Charleston so we have spent many a wonderful visit to Charleston and Bob goes there every year on a golf trip. We are sorry for your loss but know you are comforted by many friends and family. fondly, bob and dianne hall

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May the Lord comfort and keep you in his care.

Dear family, I am saddened by the passing of dear Bill. He was a champion to Aunt Mickey and was loved by all. Janice Turner Cline

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Whitener's death. My prayers are with your family.

Although I did not know Bill well, he was an angel to me one night. I pulled up in from of Bishop Gadsden with my father (Carlton Weaver) who was not well at the time. I was having difficulty getting him into a wheel chair. Bill came to my rescue. He not only helped me get my father into the chair but also went so far as to help me get him into his apartment. He stayed until he was sure dad was comfortable and in good hands. I've never forgotten his kindness and genuine concern for both of us. I truly don't know what I would have done without his help. He was a dear and thoughtful man. My father and I send our deepest sympathies to you, Marge and your family. He truly was and is an angel.

Mason Weaver Scott

Melissa
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you walk this path. May you feel God's hand on your shoulder and your father's love in your heart.

I remembef Bill in Hickory where I grew up. His father was my grandmother's brother. Her name was Dora Whitener Robinson who spent quite a bit of time in our Hickory home. Bill was always such a friendly, personable young man who was a very successful business man. His family will not remember me, but I just wanted you to know that I am sorry for your loss. I am now 77 years old and live at Atlantic Beach, NC, after spending most of my married life in Eastern NC.

Betty Anne Robinson Quinn, daughter of Ralph and Annie Lee Robinson

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Bill was always enjoyable to be around. He was truly the best of the best we had at Overnite and was a good representative of our fine company. He will be remembered well by all of the Overnie employees.

Melissa, Todd, Brad and Emily, we are thinking of you all, and wish you peace in knowling that heaven is rejoicing with the addition of your Dad and Pop. Emily has always shared such great stories of him, I feel we know him somehow. Celebrate his life, hold on to the memories, love one another. We have lifted you all up in prayer. Susan & Elliott Duty

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

I received the following email from my brother. I hope he doesn't mind me sending it on to you.
Yesterday I received a call from Marge Whitener in Charleston, S.C. Now none of you know Marge, she is the wife of Bill L. Whitener who was V.P. of Sales and Marketing for Overnite Transportation Co. for many years. Bill was a Deacon in the Baptist church, involved in mission work, the arts, the best salesperson I have ever known, and the man who approved my employment in Feb. 1977. The reason I am in Benton, Ky. was by the direction of my Lord and this man. Marge gave me the news that Bill went to be with the Lord on Sunday at age 85. I knew him for some 35 years. Bill was truly a mentor. He hired me, trained me, promoted me to the home office as General Sales manager responsible for 300 sales people. He taught me how to be a professional in a difficult business, he helped me hone management and leadership skills, taught me how a large company operates. He allowed me to make mistakes, and then taught me how to overcome them. "Take a risk Ron." was one of his favorite sayings. "What is the worst thing that can happen if you take a risk." Another saying he had was "I do not provoke." He always remained calm and in control no matter the condition of the business or the situation. He was a man of strong faith, and it was reflected in everything he did, in his family, his job, and in his service to our Lord. I owe much to this man, and when I got the call, even though I had not seen Bill in years, all the memories came rushing back. Why am I sharing this? There are very few people whom God puts in our life who can truly disciple us. Bill Whitener discipled me. I just wish more of it had sunk in. I know he heard as he entered Heaven, "Welcome, come in, you good and faithful servant." I just pray that I can have just a tiny amount of positive influence on someone's life as Bill had on this ole country boy.

Ron

Melissa and Family,

May your wonderful memories together last forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.

Love,
Debbie and the Schinosi Family

Bill was a wonderful friend and coworker and a true gentleman in every way. He will be missed greatly by many.