Don Grantham Whitener Sr., of Chatsworth, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2024.
Don was born on March 14, 1941, in DeRidder, LA. He grew up in Marshall, TX where he graduated from Marshall High School in 1959. After high school, he attended the University of North Texas and enlisted in the United States Army. He went on to have a career in sales with Elf Atochem until his retirement in Georgia where he resided for the remainder of his life. After his move to Chatsworth, GA to be closer to family, he became a member and proud Honor Guard of the American Legion Post 167, because of it and the people there, he quickly found his happy place.
Don was known for his quick wit and infectious humor. He enjoyed fishing, watching football, the Dallas Cowboys, golfing, banana popsicles, and catching the occasional snake. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Fred Whitener of Marshall, TX; sisters Sammye
Kempf, of Marshall, TX, and Becky Brasher of Plano, TX.
He is survived by his three children Don Grantham Whitener Jr. (Grant) of Gainesville, GA, Meridith Ellington (husband Derek Ellington) of Chatsworth, GA, Jennifer Whitener Gallagher of Cumming, GA; his two granddaughters Taylor and Meagan Ellington; his three grandsons Corbin Whitener, Braden and Maddox Gallagher; sister Sallye Allen (husband Forrest Dennison) of Victoria, TX; brother-in-law Bill Brasher of Plano, TX; and several nieces and nephews. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and cherished memories that will forever remain in the
hearts of his family and friends.
Don’s family will receive visitors between 2 pm and 4 pm at Shawn Chapman Funeral Home on April 20, 2024, with his service to follow at 4.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Legion Post 167 in honor of Don’s memory, a place that meant so much to him.
May he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love and light he shared so generously.
Arrangements made with integrity by Shawn Chapman Funeral Home, Crematory, and Monuments
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