Max Whisnant

Max Gardner Whisnant, 81, of Corpening Bridge Road in Morganton, died Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, at his residence. He was born July 16, 1927 in Burke County and was a son of the late John Lloyd Whisnant and Ellie Mae Smith Whisnant. Max was a member of Grandview Baptist Church where he was a longtime song leader and youth teacher. He was one of Burke County's best fast pitch pitchers, but he loved participating in all sports. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Faye Hildebrand Whisnant of the home; sons, Stanley Max Whisnant and Timothy Gardner Whisnant, both of Morganton; grandchildren, Marcus Stanley Whisnant, Timothy Bryant Whisnant, Tyler Jordan Whisnant and Teagan Ray Whisnant, all of Morganton; a great-grandson, Marcus Cole Whisnant of Morganton; and sisters, Letha Whisnant Benfield, Muriel Whisnant Smith, Faye Whisnant McCoy and Vernie Whisnant Chapman. In addition to his parents, Max was preceded in death by sisters, Ruth Whisnant Beck, Louise Whisnant Dale and Doris Whisnant Allman; and brothers, Carl, Ray, Ned, Howard, Owen and Sonny Whisnant. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Grandview Baptist Church with the Revs. John Whisnant and Jimmy Lambert officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence of a sister, Vernie Chapman, 2356 Spainhour Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Memorial contributions may be made to Grandview Baptist Church Building Fund, 1290 Harris Whisnant Road, Morganton, NC 28655 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN