Harry R. Whisnant Sr.

Harry Ross Whisnant Sr., 76, of Valley Forge, passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2011, at 11:37 a.m. at Life Care Center of Elizabethton. Mr. Whisnant was retired from North American Rayon Corporation after 40 years and was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of Valley Forge Christian Church, where he taught Sunday School, sang in the church choir and served as a deacon and elder for many years. Harry will be remembered as a loving husband and father; a talented singer, carpenter and vegetable gardener; and an avid birdwatcher, who spent his last days keeping an eye on the birds outside his window. Born September 19, 1934, he was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac Andrew and Lillie Mae; two sisters, Millie Tester and Minnie Arwood; and three brothers, Nova, William and David.

Survivors include his wife, Lois, of 57 years; a son, Harry Jr. and wife, Alana; three daughters, Carol Miller and husband, Gordon, Debra Campbell and husband, J.G., and Angela Donohue and husband, David; three grandsons, Brandon Whisnant and Paddy and Colin Donohue; two brothers, Carmen and Reno; and foster daughter, Julie Blevins.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 16, in the Chapel of Peace of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, or at other times at the residence. The service will begin at 8 p.m. with Mr. David Siebenaler and Mr. Clay Bailey, ministers, officiating. Graveside services and interment will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 17, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #49. Family and friends are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home at 10:15 a.m. Thursday for departure to the graveside. Active pallbearers will be the elders and deacons of Valley Forge Christian Church. Honorary pallbearers will be Harry’s friend, Dick Oatman, brothers-in-law, Earnest and Claude Andrews, and nephew, Woody Whisenhunt. Special thanks to the staff and employees of Life Care Center of Elizabethton for their loving care during his illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Valley Forge Christian Church for scholarships to the Appalachian Christian Service Camp in Unicoi, Tenn. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guestbook or by fax to (423) 542-9499. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Whisnant family.