Donald W. Whisnant

Donald Wilson Whisnant: A Legacy of Love, Laughter, and Legendary Fishing Tales

Donald Wilson Whisnant, a resident of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and a man who never let a "good fish" story get away, embarked on his final adventure on March 1, 2024, after a brief illness, at the age of 84. Born on October 20, 1939, in Morganton, Burke County, to Worth Sherrill Whisnant, Sr., and Pansy McFalls Whisnant, Donald lived a life filled with love, laughter, and, of course, the one that got away.

Donald leaves behind a loving wife of 64 years, Laura Elizabeth Withrow Whisnant, a partnership of mutual admiration and deep abiding love. His legacy continues through his children: Ellen Whisnant Abernathy (Dennis), Crystal Whisnant Blue (David), Sherri Whisnant Spichiger (Gary), Hong Nguyen Starkey (Marvin), Thuy Nguyen Arnold (Curt), Trong Nguyen, BeThuy Nguyen Williams (Jason), and MyChau Nguyen. His tales of the "big catch" will be fondly retold by his eighteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, ensuring his fishing legends never fade.

Survived by his brother, Billy Norman Whisnant, Donald was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Worth Sherrill Whisnant, Jr., who have no doubt welcomed him with the fishing gear ready.

Donald dedicated 30 years to GMAC Finance before retiring to a life where the only mergers and acquisitions involved merging fish with bait and acquiring the biggest catch of the day. A faithful member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, he served as church treasurer, an elder, and on numerous committees, possibly contemplating how to incorporate fishing metaphors into church activities.

A champion of bass fishing tournaments, Donald instilled a love of fishing in his grandchildren, particularly his favorite fishing buddy, grandson Jett Harris. It’s rumored that the fish in local lakes are breathing a sigh of relief at his passing, though they, too, will miss the gentle giant who could outwit them with a smile.

Donald's love for golf was only rivaled by his passion for fishing. He enjoyed the quiet mornings on the green almost as much as the serene hours spent by the water—each hobby providing him with stories that grew more embellished and entertaining with each telling.

Please join us as we celebrate Donald’s life and say goodbye on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to "Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Donald’s departure leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but also countless stories of joy, a family bound by love, and the knowledge that somewhere out there, the fish are biting, and Donald’s got the best fishing spot on that heavenly lake.