Mr. Buddy Steve Whitener, 85, of Hickory went home to be with his Lord and Savior, on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at UNC-BR Morganton, following a period of declining health.
Buddy was born on April 14, 1937 in Catawba County to the late Craig Whitener and Tansie Mull Whitener. He was a lifelong member of Providence Baptist Church, and was part of the second graduating class of Fred T. Foard High School in 1955. Buddy was employed in many areas throughout the years, starting as a truck driver with Tallent Transfer, before becoming a sales representative for Walnut Grove Auction Company for over 30 years. He was member of the Southern Gospel Group “The Echoes of Hickory” for 33 years. Since 2001 he has been employed at Heritage Funeral Service, where he was a vital part of the company for over 20 years. Buddy was always there with a handshake and a smile to greet any guest and served many times as a music leader and sometimes pastor for services throughout the years. He loved his church and church family deeply, serving as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and choir and music director for many years. Buddy was also a longtime fan of Duke basketball and Atlanta Braves baseball. He also enjoyed raising dairy and beef cattle and could always be found working on something around his farm. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother in-law, Joe Teague and a sister in-law, Peggy Whitener.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Mildred Wilson Whitener of the home, three children; Greg Whitener and wife Cindy of Connelly Springs, Monte Whitener and wife Michelle of Vale, and Gloria Loftin and husband David of Hickory. Also surviving are two brothers, Harold Whitener, Gary Whitener and wife Linda, one sister, Rheda Teague, five grandchildren: Dr. Gregory Whitener Jr, and wife Dr. Amanda Whitener, Victoria Lee and husband Jeremy, Nolan Whitener, Nash Whitener, and Morgan Loftin, four great-grandchildren, William and Charlie Grace Whitener, Jackson and Owen Lee, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. at Providence Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Dale officiating.
The family will receive friends on Friday, from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Providence Baptist Church Building Fund, 7618 Providence Ch. Rd., Hickory, NC 28602.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is assisting the Whitener family.
He was a pure jewel.
Such a kind, gentle man. He always had a smile and an encouraging word. My condolences to the family I’m sure he will be greatly missed by each of you.
This man and family have been an integral part of my entire life. Many prayers are lifted for you today and with the anticipation of all of us to meet him again one day on those glorious streets of gold. May you feel the peace of his passing in your hearts as the days and years come. With much love, Deanna Wise Pope (Melvin Connor Family)
Mildred, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. Keep your cherished memories close in your heart. With sincere sympathy, Lib Morrison Allman
What a special, godly man. Brother Buddy will surely be missed. Pastor Dewayne Buchanan
He will be missed we were like family we had good harmony I will miss his smile love you all Mildred Suzie Harold Jim Jr Austin
A Godly man will be missed by many… love & prayers to family
Buddy’s Timberwoods family will miss him very much.
I’m sorry for your loss. Of all the Providence congregation members, Buddy was the one person who always greeted me warmly when I returned. I can still hear him leading the grand old hymns. I know he’s findiing out what a glorious day that will be when my Jesus I shall see”. And I look forward to the day when we all gather together again at Jesus’ feet.
Mr. Whitener was a great asset to any minister who did a funeral service that he was part of. He was friendly, encouraging, and always had a smile on his face. At Providence he was a tremendous choir leader, and when he sang and led the choir, one could always feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. I am sure his work is continuing in Heaven right now!
Buddy was a friend from the first time to met him. His gospel group performed on a Memorial Day weekend for me on the grounds of Mackie Funeral Home, in Granite Falls to help us raise money for Caldwell Hospice. He was always will to to help. I enjoyed see him out in the community and will miss him. A fine example of what friendship really means, Ed Whisenant
Buddy was a friend from the first time you met him. His gospel group performed on a Memorial Day weekend for me on the grounds of Mackie Funeral Home, in Granite Falls to help us raise money for Caldwell Hospice. He was always willing to to help. I enjoyed seeing him out in the community and will miss him. A fine example of what friendship really means, Ed Whisenant
Buddy was a friend from the first time you met him. His gospel group performed on a Memorial Day weekend for me on the grounds of Mackie Funeral Home, in Granite Falls to help us raise money for Caldwell Hospice. He was always willing to help. I enjoyed seeing him out in the community and will miss him. A fine example of what friendship really means, Ed Whisenant
Buddy was always so kind to me. Enjoyed running into him at Timberwoods and catching up on his family who he was so proud of.
Mildred, you and your family are in my prayers. May God be with you. Buddy was such a good man who loved the Lord. Barbara Pearson Earl
He will surely be missed by many! He was truly a blessing to know and a Godly man!
Buddy I love you and Mildred all the way back to the sunray quartet in early 70s. So good to see you again at cookesville grill last summer. Good gospel!!
My father in law passed away a number of years ago and Heritage did his service and Mr.Whitner helped with the service. My father in law was buried on beautiful mountain near Old Fort. When the old couple started to sing my father in laws requested song , “Going Home” Mr Whitner joined in with his beautiful angelic voice. You could feel the presence of God all around. It was a sad but joyous time we will never forget. I know Mr Whitner has gone home
To Mildred and Family:
We would like to extend our condolences to you in this time of loss. Buddy was always such a kind man who had kind words to say and a smile to share. He will enjoy joining the heavenly choir. Prayers and thoughts are sent to you at this time.
Rama Jean and Bruce Franklin
Buddy, loved spending those Sunday visits with you on the farm years ago. You were one of my best cousins to help throw rocks at squirrels, rabbits and trees. However, the best times were when visiting Heritage you always seemed to find us and provide condolences. Know you are now with the Angels and in the presence of our Savior . Thanks for your presence in our lives. Reynolds family.