He is survived by his beloved children Channing (Stephen) Roman and son Trevor-Jon Whisnant, as well as his sister Verla (Gary) Homesley, many loving nieces and nephews of North Carolina, an Aunt Dortha Yearout and cousins of Maryville, Tennessee. He is predeceased by his parents, Erskine A. Whisnant and Johnnie Millsaps Whisnant and siblings: Vertis Whisnant, Gary A. Whisnant and Gwen Garrett Key.
Born in Red Bank, NJ while his father was in service of the US Army, Wesley was raised on the cotton mill hills of Hudson in Caldwell County, North Carolina where he graduated from Hudson High school before attending college at Appalachian State University; graduating with a degree in Psychology. During his studies, Wesley completed an Army ROTC program and received an honorable discharge. For 23 year, Wesley proudly worked in William Lenoir Middle School as the in-school suspension teacher.
His fondest memories include living near the mountains and adventuring in Wilson’s Creek as a young man, and summers spent on Lake James with family and his good friend, Richard Huffman. His passion for music was a lifelong endeavor that led him to sing in a professional duo called Wesley and Richard, a southern gospel quartet currently known as The Carolina Family, along with singing the National Anthem at ASU basketballs games. Wesley was a supportive, loving father who devoted his time and care to his children and was often involved in his son’s recreational league sports and daughter’s high school plays by working behind the scenes. The only two things Wesley loved almost as much as his own children were Jeopardy and Duke Basketball! He will be missed by all who loved him.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Visitation February 16, 2020, 3:00pm-5:30pm at Columbus Baptist Church, 24260 W. Main St, Columbus, NJ 08022, in the original church building. For family and friends in North Carolina, a Memorial Visitation will take place February 22, 2020, 2:00pm-5:00pm in Concord Baptist Church, 74 Falls Ave, Granite Falls, N.C., 28630.In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Deborah Heart and Lung Center, a hospital where Wesley received meticulous care the last two years. As the hospital is completely donation based, all support is greatly appreciated to help serve other families. Arrangements have been entrusted to BLAKE-DOYLE Funeral Home, Collingswood, NJ. Please leave your remembrances of Wesley on Blake-Doyle.com.
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