Arnold WHISNANT(1931 - 2013)

Arnold Whisnant passed away at the NHC rehabilitation facilities in Johnson City, TN, Friday, December 6, 2013 at the age of 82 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born February 14th, 1931 in Morganton, North Carolina to the late CP and Mae Whisnant. He is survived by son, Gregory Whisnant, wife Valerie and grandson Zachary of Florence, KY. He is also survived by one brother, Gene Whisnant of Morganton, NC; dear sister-in-law Katherine Whisnant of Morganton, NC; two nieces, Tina Conley and Patrice Whisnant both of Morganton and two nephews, Scott Whisnant of Morganton and Steve Whisnant of Washington, DC. Arnold attended Morganton High School and graduated in 1948. He excelled in football, baseball and basketball. He continued his athletics and educational pursuits at Davidson University and was a 3 year varsity letterman in football and baseball as well as football team captain one of those years. Arnold was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He graduated Davison in 1953 and entered the US Army as a second lieutenant and stationed in Europe during the Korean War. After leaving the service he went to work for Great Lakes Carbon Corp in Purchasing. He was based in New York City and at that time met his late wife of 50 years, Barbara. They moved back to Morganton for a job within GLCC along with their new son. In 1967, they moved to Johnson City, TN and Arnold began a new career with Snelling & Snelling Personnel. He owned a number of offices in 4 states and was very successful in owning his own business for over 40 years. Arnold was always involved in sporting functions at both Science Hill High School and East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. He was a member of the Lions, Kiwanis, 5th Quarter Quarterback organization along with the National Football Hall of Fame Club - providing scholarships to local high school athletes. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing at the Johnson City Country Club. Both before and after his retirement, Arnold and Barbara enjoyed travelling the country with friends and family including a number of cruises, trips to Europe and Alaska, and to their favorite haven - of the beaches of Wild Dunes, Kiawah and Hilton Head, SC. Arnold always remained very active with Davidson University and their Alumni Association. He was an incredibly loving and giving man, wonderful husband, father and grandfather. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask you to consider a donation in Arnold's name to the American Cancer Society , 508 Princeton Rd, Ste 102, Johnson City, TN 37601-2060 or www.cancer.org. Morris Baker Funeral Home of Johnson City TN is handling all arrangements. Memorial services have been held.

Published in The Cincinnati Enquirer on Dec. 10, 2013.