William Haywood Whitley

William Haywood Whitley, 81, of Pikeville passed away at Wayne UNC Healthcare on Thursday, October 15, 2026. He was born in Johnston County on February 6, 1945 to the late William Wade Whitley and Maci Hazel Clarke Whitley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Stanley Whitley and a sister, Ann Simpkins.

William was a gentle, kind, and humble man of strong Christian faith, he lived his life with a giving heart and a quiet strength that touched everyone who knew him.

He devoted 37 years of marriage to loving and caring for his wife, whom he cherished deeply. He was a loving father to his three children and three stepchildren, all of whom he loved dearly. Always willing to lend a helping hand, he never hesitated to help anyone in need and gave freely without expecting anything in return.

He found joy in the simple things in life, especially spending time outdoors and hunting for treasures at auctions and yard sales. His gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and selfless love for his family and others will forever be remembered , and his legacy of kindness and compassion will live on in all the lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy Ann Settle Whitley; sons, William Haywood Whitley, Jr. (Shay) and David Braxton O’Neal (Denise); daughters, Annette Kiekenapp (William), Kim Whitley (John), Johnna Creech and Michelle Romero; sister, Jeanette Stevens (Jimmy); grandchildren, Sonya Efird (Benner), Jamie Norris, Maci Hadges (John), Nicholas Whitley, William Braxton O’Neal (Destiny), Candace Terrell (Travis), David Braxton (Karley), Peyton O’Neal, Thurman Creech (Ashley), Jalyn Bauser (Terry), Stanley Creech, Nicole Creech, Julian Romero (Alyssa), and Aiden Romero; great grandchildren, Jayden O’Neal, Gracelynn O’Neal, Waylon O’Neal, Trace Terrell, Gunner Terrell, Eliner Terrell, Noah Creech, Ansley Creech, Brody Creech, Nevaeh Creech, Jacob Creech, Roselynn Bauser and Tucker Bauser, several special nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at North Benson Church of God, the Branch, 468 Zack’s Mill Road, Benson, NC 27504 on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 5:00 pm with the Reverend Jason Shuler officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm until 5:00 pm and also after the memorial service.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.caseyfh.com.

Casey Funeral Home & Cremations is honored to serve the Whitley family.