Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1945
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Earle Whitener Obituary
May 17, 1945 - May 15, 2021
Earle "The Pearl" Franklin Whitener, 75, of Hickory, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, Saturday, May 15, 2021, at Carolina Caring.
Born May 17, 1945, in Catawba County, he was the son of the late Ned and Mary Jenkins Whitener. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ned David Whitener and Brant "Tree" Whitener.
Earle served in the U.S. Army and attended Discovery Church. He was a State Trooper for the North Carolina Highway Patrol and retired from the North Carolina License and Theft division after 30 years of service. He then went on to work at J & L Motors until he fully and finally retired after so much dedication. He was an avid sports fan.
Survivors include his wife, Pam Whitener of the home; daughters, Lorri Whitener Hoke of Hickory, Leslie Williamson (Bret) of Statesville and Sherri Hall of Statesville; Earle cherished his grandchildren, Preston and Briana Hoke of Hickory, Seth and Emily Williamson of Statesville and Connor Hall of Stokesdale, and Logan Hall of Raleigh. He had so many others that he loved and called family whom loved him back in return.
The family would like to acknowledge their sincere appreciation to each and every Healthcare Hero who cared for Earle, Kindred Care, Carolina Oncology, and the Radiation Oncology Department at CVMC.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 18, at Bass-Smith Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Paul Deal officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658.
www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Earle Whitener
Sponsored by Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory - Hickory.
rusty bracewell
May 24, 2021
currently live in Tucson, but a Hickory native who knew all the of the Whitener boys and well as the Dad, my prayers to out to the family, and he will be missed, but as long as his name is mentioned by friends and family, he'll always be with us.
Lorri Whitener Hoke
May 24, 2021
Daddy, you were one of a kind, so special, sweet and caring. Not just my daddy but also my best friend. I miss you so much, until we meet again. I love you so much!
Rob & Rosanne Rzasa
May 17, 2021
So sorry for your loss. We have many fond memories of Earle. Our thoughts and prayers for the family during this time of grief.
Mayce Herman
May 17, 2021
I AM SO SORRY
Doris Kirby
May 17, 2021
So sorry to hear that Earle has passed.
Sincere thoughts and prayers for the family.
Danny & Judy Huffman
May 17, 2021
Good neighbor and friend we will miss you.
Pamela Smith
May 16, 2021
I am so sorry to hear this. He was a sweetheart so kind he will be missed. Sending my love and prayers to his family and friends.
John Falls
May 16, 2021
Earle was a good friend and classmate. He will be surely missed. Rest In Peace Earle.
Jill Frye Hildebran
May 16, 2021
Earl was a HHS classmate...He will surly be missed by family and friends..A great basketball player...and a man of God...
John and Kathy Rzasa
May 16, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to the Whitener family. Earl was a cherished friend. John and Kathy Rzasa - Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
Robert Young
May 16, 2021
Grew up in Longview with all the Whiteners just like every one else. Great bunch of guys who would have made one heck of a basketball team!
Britt Brittain
May 16, 2021
My heart is broken over hearing that my buddy passed. Many great memories to cherish. Earle the Pearl was a unique man of caring, humor and once you were his friend he never forgot. May God comfort the family at this time and we as Christians know the promise Jesus made to all of us. Blessings to his family.
Les Crawford
May 16, 2021
Will miss you and the fun we had. I was honored to call you my friend.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in Earle Whitener's name
Memorial Events
for Earle Whitener
May
18
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory - Hickory334 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC 28601
Funeral services provided by:
Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory - Hickory334 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC 28601
How to support Earle's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Earle Whitener's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
