Richard Whitener, age 71, of Murphy, NC passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at his daughters home.

He was a native of Cherokee County, NC and the son of the late John Ernest and Edna Selena Taylor Whitener. He retired from the Timber industry. Richard attended the New Hope Church of God.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Whitener; and sister, Janie Lovingood.

He is survied by his wife, Shirley Dockery Whitener; children, Amanda Whitener, Jamie Whitener and step daughter, Pam Barmore; brothers and a sister, Leroy Whitener and his wife, Frances, Harvey Whitener and his wife, Kathy, Michael Whitener and his wife Martha and Iva Jean Hendrix and her husband, Sidney; brother-in-law Carl Dockery who was a true friend; sister-in-law, Bea Whitener; grandchildren, Warren Dodson, Dustine Dever, Justin Chance, Whitney Tanner, Christian Gentry and Brailey Barmore; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 PM Saturday, November 19, 2016 at the Townson Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Pastor Scotty Lovingood will officiate. Burial will be in the Ogretta Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Saturday, November 19, 2016 at the Townson Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.

You may send tributes to the Whitener family at www.townson-rose.com

Townson Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.