Jonathan Henry Witherspoon

1942 - 2025

Jonathan Henry Witherspoon

May 25, 1942 - Oct 6, 2025

Mr. Jonathan "Jon" Henry Witherspoon, 83, passed away Monday night, October 6, 2025, at Forsyth Medical Center. He was born on May 25, 1942, in Rutherford College, a son to the late Oscar Harlan Witherspoon and Annie Pearl Danner Witherspoon.

Jon was a graduate of Wake Forest University, earning his bachelor's degree in physics and he received a master's in business administration from the University of North Carolina Greensboro.

He retired as the President and Publisher of the Winston-Salem Journal in 2007, completing 43 years of employment with the paper. Jon's career began as an obituary clerk and he held additional positions such as reporter, copy editor, human resources director and general manager. As a leader in the profession, he also served a term as the President of the N.C. Press Association.

Jon served in the United States Army as an intelligence officer from 1965-1967, including a tour in Vietnam. He was an avid traveler, enjoyed golfing and socializing with friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his brother David. Jon is survived by his sister Rachel; Jean Witherspoon; his children Jon (Sandra) and Derek (Melissa); grandchildren, Jessica, Sarah, Ashley, Bradley, Caroline and Jake; and five great-grandchildren. He also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss him.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Burke Memorial Park in Morganton, North Carolina. The family will receive friends the night before, from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, October 10, 2025 at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Homes - 3315 Silas Creek Pkwy., Winston-Salem.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel

3315 Silas Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27103