DONALD K. WHISNANT

HICKORY - Donald Kermit Whisnant, 57, died Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, S.C., following a brief illness.

Born April 15, 1947, in Cleveland County, he was the son of the late Howard Kermit and Edith Rudisill Whisnant.

Mr. Whisnant graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne College with graduate degrees from Gardner-Webb University and Appalachian State University. He taught school at Startown Elementary and Maiden High, where he coached football, and retired as principal of Tuttle Middle School. He was working part time at Catawba County Schools at the time of his death.

He devoted his life to his church, family and many friends. He was a member of Beth Eden Lutheran Church since moving to Newton.

Survivors include his wife, Rebecca Robinson Whisnant of the home; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Andy and Jennifer Whisnant of Greensboro, Sam Whisnant of Hickory and Aaron and Alison Whisnant of Wilmington; his beloved grandson, Gavin Whisnant; and a sister, Carolyn W. Truitt of Vale.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005, at Beth Eden Lutheran Church. The Revs. Drs. Bill Mims Jr. and Jane Mitcham will officiate.