General Ned Whitmire, 72, faithful husband, loving father and loyal friend, passed away peacefully at the Elizabeth House following a courageous battle with lung cancer on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017.

Born April 25, 1945 to the late Ira Edwin and Edna Louise Owen Whitmire in Brevard. He grew up in Brevard and graduated from Brevard High School, Class of 1964. Upon graduation, Ned worked at Ecusta until joining the United States Air Force from 1966-1969. After returning home, he enrolled at Brevard Junior College and graduated in 1971. He then continued his education at Florida State University, graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice in 1973.

Ned’s career in law enforcement began as a Parole Officer, and in 1976 was hired by the State Bureau of Investigation of North Carolina. He retired with 30 years of service as Special Agent Whitmire. After several months of retirement, he returned to work for the Henderson County Sheriffs department as a detective and after 13 years of faithful service, retired as Sergeant of Property Crimes.

He was an active member of Hendersonville First Baptist Church, serving as a deacon, sound technician, member of the choir, care group leader, and a volunteer at Love’s Kitchen. He was passionate about missions. For many years, he led and organized events through their Sunday School class to raise funds for missions. Through his tenacity and perseverance, he helped raise over $200,000.

He loved music, and this passion for music was the catalyst that compelled him to start the singing group Daystar. Daystar spent 19 years together worshiping and sharing the Gospel with others through music.

He was a diehard FSU fan. He loved his Seminoles and wore their colors any chance he could get. Ned’s hobby was trains. For years he built his own models, in the basement of his home. Then upon retirement, Ned joined the Hendersonville Model Railroad Club so he could “play with trains.”

He leaves behind the love of his life, Ann Danner Whitmire of 39 years; two daughters, Kelly (Terry) Yarborough of Hendersonville, N.C. and Kristi Gallimore of Myrtle Beach, S.C. (fiancee Donnie Williams); a son David (Patricia) Reese of Eugene, Ore.; seven grandchildren: Ryan Womack, Matthew Womack, Zach (Lacy) Reese, Alex Yarborough, Haleigh Gallimore, Jordan Beverly, and Amy Yarborough; a brother Marshall (June) Whitmire of Brevard, N.C.; a sister Maxine (Mark) Starner of Matthews, N.C.; two nieces Sheila Whitmire and Jennifer (Kevin) Evans; three nephews Christopher Whitmire, Stephen (Eleanor) Starner, and Seth Starner; two great-nieces Courtney Whitmire and Sara-Grace Starner and a great-nephew Sam Starner.

His extended family who loved and accepted him as a brother and uncle are the families of: Gerald Reese, Howard Reese, Robert “Butch” Reese, Avery Reese, Tom Reese and the late Linda Reese Payne. He also leaves behind countless loyal and faithful friends who stood by his side every step of the way.

Although his passing leaves a substantial void in our lives, we are grateful for the legacy of his love for God and love for others that he leaves behind. “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.” Matthew 25:23

A celebration of life will be held at the Hendersonville First Baptist Church on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017 at 1 p.m., the family will receive friends beginning at 11:30 a.m. Military honors will be provided by the Henderson County Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the following: Four Season Hospice, 581 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or CAMS (Christian Agricultural Mission Services), PO Box 111, Hendersonville, NC 28793. Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

Submitted by Jackson Funeral Service & Crematory
Hendersonville, N.C.