Byron Dean Whitney

Byron Dean Whitney, age 103, of Winchester, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026, at his residence.

He was born on November 29, 1922, in Scott Township, Indiana, to the late George Jerome Whitney and Eva (LaMar) Whitney. Byron was raised along the Michigan and Indiana state line and graduated from Montgomery High School in Montgomery, Michigan. Byron honorably served his country during World War II in the United States Marine Corps, stationed in the South Pacific. He specialized as an aircraft armorer where he carried out his duties with dedication and pride. Following his time in the service he attend Loyola University Los Angeles, where he played baseball and developed a strong work ethic that stayed with him throughout his life.

After a year of college, Byron hitchhiked back home to Indiana and started his trucking career hauling Studebakers.

In 1972, Byron moved to Ft. Madison, Iowa, where he continued his career and later retired as a truck driver for Fruehauf Corporation in 1984. Following his retirement, he moved to Florida, where he enjoyed many peaceful years before relocating to Tennessee in 2006.

Byron was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church in Welaka, Florida. He found joy in life's simple pleasures, including fishing, gardening, landscaping, and carpentry. He had a deep love for reading, especially history, with a special interest in the Civil War. In his younger years, he enjoyed dancing, bowling, playing cards, and traveling in his RV each summer to visit his children.

He was truly the rock of his family, a steady and guiding presence who brought everyone together. Soft-spoken by nature, Byron carried a quiet strength, and when he spoke, his words were meaningful and respected by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Erma Louise Gross Kemper Whitney; siblings, Theresa Marcelle Goodwin, Max Whitney, Juanita Shaffter, and Kenneth Whitney; son, Rodney "Rod" Whitney; and grandson, Heath Whitney.

He is survived by his loving children, Janeen (Dean) Neitz, Greg (Neveda) Whitney, Rhonda Whitney (Larry Gallatin), Dianne (Craig) Koffman, Denise (Merle) Bearden, Deborah (Patric) Harris, and Kimberly (Lucas) Soltero. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tim Whitney, Tyler Whitney, Jenna Alfaro, Michelle Koffman, Javier Torres, Benicio Soltero, and Ava Soltero; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and extended family members; and special bonus family, Craig Ireland, Amy Coffey, Allen Slee, and David Slee.

A private family service will be held in accordance with his wishes.

Moore-Cortner Funeral Home 300 1st Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931) 967-2222, www.moorecortner.com