Whisnant, Robert C.

HICKORY - Robert Clinton Whisnant, 89, of Conover, died March 18, 2006, at Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley. Born Feb. 23, 1917, in Cleveland County, he was a son of the late Charlie Pinkney and Maude Williams Whisnant. A member of Temple Baptist Church, he was a dedicated employee who retired from Southern Menzies Hosiery. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army, 34th Engineers, and was stationed at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed. He spent five years in the Pacific Theater and was the last company to return home after the war. He remained active in the organization of Pearl Harbor Survivors, traveling to reunions throughout North Carolina. He also traveled throughout the United States for reunions with the 34th Engineers Company "C" and after retirement, he became an avid golfer. He was preceded in death by his beloved first wife of 54 years, Rose Honeycutt Whisnant; his parents, Charlie and Maude Whisnant; four brothers, Tom Whisnant, Hubert Whisnant, Dean Whisnant and Marvin Whisnant; and four sisters, Clara Craig, Rosemary Willis, Sue Boyles and Elizabeth Whisnant. He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Whisnant Fotheringham of Hickory; his only grandson, Josh Fotheringham, who is living in Philadelphia, Penn.; and a dear friend, Chip Fotheringham of Hickory. He is also survived by his second wife, Marie Tarvin Whisnant. For the last six years, she was his soul mate and caregiver when his health began to decline. He was embraced and loved by her family. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Peter West at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Bass-Smith Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Catawba Memorial Park, with military graveside rites conducted by members of American Legion Post 48. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 tonight, Monday evening, at Bass-Smith Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, N.C. 28658. Bass-Smith Funeral Home is serving the Whisnant family.