Nathan Julius Whitener

NATHAN JULIUS WHITENER CONOVER – Nathan Julius Whitener, 81, of Conover passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and close friends on the evening of March 4, 2016 at Catawba Valley Medical Center, following a brief period of declining health. Nathan was born March 9, 1934 in Catawba County to the late Andrew Macon Whitener and Marie W. Whitener. Nathan graduated from Mountain View High School in 1952. He was an employee of Link Iron Works for 40 plus years as a boiler pipe fitter, then later a boiler service technician. Upon his retirement, Nathan received an award from the state of North Carolina for his service in the industry. Nathan was a member of Unity Evangelical Lutheran Church (formerly Good Hope Lutheran) in Hickory where he served as an usher and various other committees. He dearly loved his church and was a devoted member. He found great joy in his relationships with family, friends and neighbors. Nathan was a loyal volunteer of the St. Stephens Optimist Club for many years. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing the proceeds of his garden with many family, friends, and neighbors. He had a caring nature and served as a caretaker for his father, daughter, and wife. He was a devoted sports fan, and enjoyed watching Tarheel basketball, Atlanta Braves baseball, and the Carolina Panthers football. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Myrtle Hefner Whitener; daughter, Lori Alice Whitener; brother, Eddie Andrew Whitener; and sister, Annette Whitener Medcalf. He is survived by daughter Debbie McGinnis and husband Lamar; son, Greg Whitener and wife Weatherly; grandchildren, Chris McGinnis, Nicholas McGinnis, Meghan McGinnis, Shauna Whitener and husband Lee Honeycutt; brothers, Jerry D. Whitener and wife Janey, Randall J. Whitener and wife Sue; sister-in-law, Barbara Whitener; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at 1:00 PM at Unity Evangelical Lutheran Church (Hickory) with Rev. John Woodard officiating. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM at the Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Unity Evangelical Lutheran Church (building fund), 3025 Falling Creek Rd NE, Hickory, NC 28601 or Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Rd, Newton, NC 28658. Condolences may be left www.catawbamemorialpark.com. The Whitener Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.