Donald Whitley

Donald Hugh Whitley, 76, of Concord passed away on August 31, after a courageous 24 year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Donald was born September 11, 1934 in Stanly County. He was the son of the late Millard Hugh and Lois Daniel Whitley. Don grew up on the family farm and attended Millingport High School. In 1959 he became a barber working at Mill’s Barber Shop until opening Whitley’s Barber Shop in 1966. He went on to start Whitley’s Launderette and Whitley’s Car wash. He also owned rental properties. Before his illness stopped him, he enjoyed flying his airplane, and entertaining at his Lake Norman house, and traveling with his family and close friends. Don attended Epworth United Methodist Church. A visitation will be held at Hartsell Funeral Home in Concord on Thursday, September 1st from 7 until 9 PM. Funeral services will be held at Hartsell Funeral Home Chapel Concord on Friday, September 2nd at 2 PM, with Dr. Glenn L. Myers officiating. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park in Kannapolis. Don is survived by his wife of 41 years Helen W. Whitley; sons, Jerry A Whitley and wife Janet of Concord , Bobby D. Whitley and wife Ann of Kannapolis, Justin E. Benfield and wife Sharon of Leland, NC; five grandchildren, Jennifer Major, Lauren Whitley, Jeremy Whitley, Matthew Whitley and Melissa Pinksky; four great-grandchildren, Anthony and Thomas Major, Joshua and Andrew Pinksky; sister, Jeanette Troutman of New London. Memorials may be made to The Parkinson's Association of The Carolinas 5970 Fairview Road Suite 725 Charlotte, NC 28210. The family asks that you mention, either in a note along with your gift, or on the 'memo' line of your check, that this donation is for the Cabarrus County PD Support Group. The Cabarrus County Parkinson Support Group greatly appreciates the dedicated service of Leader Linda Pigg. Hartsell Funeral Home Concord is serving the Whitley family. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com