Chester "Papa Frank" Whisenant

C. "Papa Frank" Whisenant, 72 died Friday, December 5, 2008 at his residence in Brooklyn, MS.

Mr. Whisenant was a carpenter, mechanic, and auctioneer. He was well known as a building contractor on the coast. He was a self taught man who taught himself to read, write and do math. He loved fishing and hunting along with family and friends. He was a loving father and grandfather. Papa Frank will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Nancy Whisenant; his sons Chester Lee Whisenant, Norman Wade Whisenant, and Donald Warren Whisenant; and his first wife, Aline Whisenant; and his sister Mary Williams.

He is survived by his wife Juanita, of Brooklyn, son, Roger (Je'Nell) Whisenant of Gulfport, daughter, Sharon (Jimmy) Parker of Saucier; 13 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren; he is also survived by his sister, Velma Birchwell of Saucier, and his brothers, Floyd Whisenant of Gulfport, Red Whisenant of Brooklyn, and Bufford Whisenant of Boax, AL; and numerous close friends and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 13, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11213 Hwy 49N, Gulfport. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Burial will follow at Allen Cemetery in Long Beach.