John L. Whisnant Sr.

MORGANTON John L. Whisnant Sr., 83, of Morganton, died Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, at Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte.

He was born in Burke County, April 27, 1930, and was a son of the late Daniel Roscoe Whisnant and Minnie Whisnant Whisnant. John was president of WCIS Radio and was co-founder of The Whisnant's, a southern Gospel ministry that has traveled extensively and is still performing today. He was a member of Grandview Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for 55 years and also served as treasurer and Sunday school teacher.

John lived his life in the service of others. He was also a U.S. Air Force veteran, of the Korean Conflict. A loving husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife, Betty Jo Harris Whisnant; sons, the Rev. John L. Whisnant Jr. and wife, Susan Rudisill Whisnant and Jeffrey K. Whisnant and wife, Susan Dry Whisnant, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Caleb, Elizabeth, Austin and Ethan Whisnant; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by brothers, Roscoe Whisnant Jr., James Whisnant and Paul Whisnant; and by sisters, Dorothy Baker, Rachel Baker, and Peggy Eastwood.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at Grandview Baptist Church, with the Revs. Kenny Baker, Roland Dry and John Whisnant Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, with military honors conducted by the NC National Guard.

The family will receive friends Saturday, at the church, from 12 to 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Grandview Baptist Church, 1290 Harris Whisnant Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family.