MAIDEN, N.C. - Colonel Charles Lee Whisenant, USAF Retired, a Vietnam veteran, passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2024.

He was born on August 13, 1940 to Charles Banks and Lottie McRee Whisenant of Maiden, N.C.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gregory A. Whisenant and his sister and brother-in-law, Dr. Robert M. and Judith W. Stevenson.

He is survived by his sister Cindy Moose and husband John of Belmont, his sister-in-law Janis R. Whisenant of Lincolnton, his niece Amanda M. Goodwin and husband Jason of Raleigh, his niece Megan A. Moose of Belmont, his nephews Charles J., Robert B., and James M. Stevenson of Statesville, and nephew John G. Stevenson and wife Sterling of Charlotte. Charlie is also survived by Claudette Y. Whisenant of Port Ste. Lucie, Fla. and family.

He graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1962 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and completed graduate studies at South Dakota State University, the U.S. Naval War College, and the Department of Air Force Air War College.

He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, in 1962. Throughout his 24-year Air Force career, he exemplified dedication and excellence as he rose in rank to Colonel. He was recognized with numerous awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Longevity Service Award with One Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon with One Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After retiring from military service, Charlie served the City of St. Petersburg, Fla. in the Emergency Management Office of the Fire and Rescue Department for 13 years. He then served as President of the Mariner’s Pass Condominium Association where he resided on Cape Hatteras Way before returning to his beloved home place, Maiden, N.C., in 2018.

A service to celebrate Colonel Whisenant’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 2 p.m. at First Methodist Church in Maiden. Pastor Ray Rummage will officiate.

Burial with military honors will follow at St. Matthew’s Reformed Church Cemetery in Maiden. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1-1:45 p.m. Members of Maiden Masonic Lodge No. 592 will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: First Methodist Church, 303 N. Main Avenue, Maiden, NC 28650; Town of Maiden Fire Department, 110 W. Main St., Maiden, NC 28650; or to The University of Tennessee, UT Foundation, Joe Frye Transportation Endowment (FO10000519), 1525 University Ave., Knoxville, TN 37921.

Condolences may be sent to the Whisenant family at: www.bennettfuneralservice.com

Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, N.C. is serving the Whisenant family.