Charles Columbus Whitener

March 7, 1935 – August 20, 2026

Charles Columbus Whitener, age 91, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, August 20, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of a life well lived.

Charles was born on March 7, 1935, in Gilmer County, Georgia, to the late Robert Lee Whitener and Dollie Miller Whitener. Throughout his life, Charles worked many different jobs, but he especially enjoyed his years working in the lumber industry.

Charles was a firm believer in Jesus Christ, and his faith remained an important part of his life. Above all else, he loved his family dearly and treasured the time he was able to spend with those closest to him.

Charles loved walking through the mountains where he grew up, fishing at his home in Wewahitchka, Florida, working on his old trucks, and spending time with his family. The mountains of North Georgia and the quiet days spent fishing in Florida were places that brought him great peace and joy.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dollie Whitener; his brothers, Edmond, Bob, and Kenneth Whitener; and his sisters, Mamie, Ruth, and Mary Sue Whitener.

He is survived by his brother, James Whitener; his daughter, Tammy (Chris) Bassett; his sons, Michael (Julia) Whitener and Mitchell (Mindy) Whitener; and his grandchildren, Glenn Reid, Cherron (Jeremy) Mallett, Jennifer Whitener, Stephanie (Tim) Sellers, and Dustin Whitener.

Charles also leaves behind his beloved great-grandchildren, Chelsey (Luke) Davis, Keisha (Hailee) Bradley, Carson (Jordyn) Carter, Blane (Lillie) Mallett, Carleigh Mallett, Trevor Hedrick, Jacob Reid, Lexie Reid, Shai (Dusty) Lacy, Emmalou Sparks, Jordan & Autumn Green, Ryder and Miles Whitener; and his great-great-grandchildren, Maggie Davis, Henry Carter, Kason & Kolson Lacy, Millie Wellborn, and Ellie Mallett.

Charles also shared a very special friendship with Mike Grindstaff, whom he loved dearly. He leaves behind many other relatives and friends who were blessed to know and love him.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, August 22nd at 1:30 pm from the Chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with Bro. Jeremy Mallett and Pastor Dusty Lacy officiating. Interment will follow in the Underwood Cemetery in Cherry Log, GA. The following gentlemen will be serving as pallbearers: Carson Carter, Glenn Reid, Dustin Whitener, Mike Grindstaff, Luke Davis, and Wesley Whitener. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Chastain, James Whitener, Larry Joe Sosebee, and Julia Whitener.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 22nd from 10 am until 1 pm at the funeral home.

Food and Flowers will be accepted.

Charles lived 91 years filled with hard work, faith, family, and the places and people he loved most. His memory will live on through the generations of family he leaves behind, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.