Jerry Whitener

Jerry Dale Whitener of Hickory passed away unexpectedly Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Catawba Regional Medical Center surrounded by family and friends.
Born January 20, 1940, in Catawba County, he was the son of the late Andrew Macon and Marie Whitener Whitener.  He was preceded in death by his brothers , Eddie Whitener, Nathan Whitener, and sister Annette Medcalf.
He worked for Pepsi Cola Bottling Company for 11 years and then created his own company, Jerry Whitener, Inc. which he operated for 44 years until the time of his death.  His work became his hobby, playing with his dump truck, loader, and tractors.  He enjoyed working and mowing his yard.  He loved traveling and camping  especially in Franklin, NC.
He was an avid NASCAR fan and liked watching the races on tv.   He was one of the charter members of Mt. View Fire Dept, volunteer fire fighter and later served on the board.
He is survived by is wife of 57 years, Janey Huffman Whitener of the home; son Jamie Whitener and wife Diane of Oxford, NC; brother and wife, Randy and Sue; grandchildren Chris of Dunn, NC. Braxton of Oxford, Adam serving in the Army in Hawaii and four great- grand children. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Barbara Hildebran, brother-in-law and wife,  and special friends and helpers, Paul Holsclaw, Carl Waters, Greg Whitener, and Scott Whitener.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 16 at 4:00 pm at Zion Lutheran Church where he attended.  The Rev. John David Bryant will officiate.  The family will receive friends from 2:30 to 3:45 at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital,
501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis. TN 28105.
Condolences may be sent to the Whitener Family at www.JenkinsFuneralHome.net.  The family is in the care of Jenkins Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Newton, NC.