William Edward Whitener

William Edward Whitener, 97, of Ooltewah, passed away November 2, 2011 at the home of his daughter, Connie Kidd in Cleveland, Tennessee. Born July 1, 1914 in Cherry Log, Georgia in Gilmer County. He lived most of his life in Ooltewah, Tennessee. Edward lived a very simple life enjoying gardening and splitting firewood for the winter. When the weather was hot he enjoyed sitting under a good shade tree and talking to family or friends. He was very proud of being called a mountain man. His love of nature took him many places. He traveled over many mountains where he would hike, hunt ginseng, camp or just enjoy the peace of being alone with his Heavenly Father. Edward was a very unique and interesting person. He will be missed by many. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis Gordon and Willie Goodwin Whitener, his wife Bana Holt Whitener; brother, Willis Jr.; and sisters, Minice, Mertise and Annie Mae White; great-grandchildren, Jason Wolfe, Adam, Debbie, Ralph Jr. and Larry Whitener. He is survived by his brothers, Harold and Donald Whitener; his ten children, Dan, R.E. Robert, Ralph, John A. David, Lynn, Linda Wolfe, Morris and Connie Kidd; 27 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; 21 great-great grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. at the Ooltewah Cemetery with Reverend Barry Lee officiating. Pallbearers will be Tracy Whitener, Randy Whitener, Danny Whitener, Ronnie Whitener, Wendell Whitener, Matthew Whitener, Mark Whitener and Jimmy Wolfe. Visitation will be Friday, November 4, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home in Cleveland. We invite you to send a message of condolence to the Whitener family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.