Tommy Dean Whisnant

Tommy Dean Whisnant, 63, of Morganton, NC passed away Thursday, July 3, 2014 after a battle with lung cancer. Born in Burke County, NC on July 15, 1950, he was the youngest son of Thelma Viola Kirby Jackson of Newton and the late James Daniel Whisnant, Sr. Tommy was a hard-working and very caring man who was active in St. Mary's Episcopal Church for many years. Tommy graduated from Oak Hill High School and maintained many friendships from school. He was a former employee of Viscotec Corporation.

In addition to his mother, Tommy is survived by his wife, Lynn Barker Whisnant of the home; a brother, J. D. Whisnant and his wife, Peggy, of Asheville, NC; a sister, Janet Lingafelt and her husband, Dave, of Newton, NC; nephews and nieces; and a beloved canine companion, Macy.

In addition to his father, Tommy was preceded in death by a step-son, Stephen Barker.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 6, 2014 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church with Pastor Francis King officiating. A private burial will be held in St. Mary's Episcopal Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Episcopal Church Cemetery Fund, 140 St. Mary's Church Road, Morganton, NC 28655, to South Mountain Children's Home, 115 N. Sterling Street, Morganton, NC 28655, or to Rising Hope Farm, c/o Gail Wartner, 3775 Bethany Church Road, Claremont, NC 28610.

The family would like to thank the caring people of Burke Hospice for their love and compassion during this difficult time.