Merle Clarence Whitney, Jr.

WINSTON-SALEM-Mr. Merle Clarence Whitney, Jr., 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice House. He was born on March 12, 1921 to the late Merle Clarence Whitney, Sr. and Mozelle Snider Whitney. Merle was a lifetime member of Fries Memorial Moravian Church where he served in multiple capacities. He married the love of his life, Catherine Davis Cardwell on December 25, 1942. They were together until her death on March 25, 2009. Merle was preceded in death by brothers Hoyt S. Whitney and Robert T. Whitney. Merle is survived by sisters Norma W. O'Neil and Janice W. Dooley. Merle was a graduate of James A. Gray High School and attended Wake Forest College. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during WWII. Upon discharge, he entered into the insurance business in Winston-Salem. In 1950, along with his father Merle Sr. and brother Hoyt, opened Whitney Furniture Co. In 1974, with his son Merle III (Sonny), started Whitney Decorating and later began Budget Flooring and University Carpet One. He was a partner in the Winston-Salem Barber School, a family business, until his retirement. Merle will be remembered in the business world as a hard worker who developed many friendships with his customers-always remembering their face, name, or where they lived. Along with his father and brothers, one of Merle's passions outside of his family and business was the love of U.S. Amateur Fast Pitch Softball. Many memories are held by all and many friendships created during the years that Whitney Furniture Co. was active in the sport. Claiming 4 State Titles, 3 in a row, and placing numerous players along with his father Merle Sr. into the N.C. Fast Pitch Hall of Fame, will be strongly remembered by all. Merle is survived by his four children: Lynne Pruette and husband Sonny, Merle C Whitney III (Sonny), Philip R. Whitney, and Gordon K. Whitney and wife Donna; grandchildren, Mary Catherine Troxler, Taylor Pruette, Blair Pruette, Hunter Pruette, Brooke Whitney, Blake Whitney, Davis Whitney, Ryan Pearce, and Natalie Pearce; great-grandchildren Grayson, Salem, and Garrett Troxler, Graham, Hillary, Emerson, Haynes, and Lander Pruette. Merle truly cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family expresses deep gratitude to the staff at Somerset Court Assisted Living in Mocksville, NC and to the tender care given by the staff at Kate B. Reynolds House. A funeral service will be held at Fries Memorial Moravian Church at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 with Rev. Kelly Moore and Rev. Dr. David A. Marcus, Jr. officiating. Burial will immediately follow at God's Acre in Old Salem. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Fries Memorial Moravian Church, 251 N. Hawthorne Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27104. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

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