Gene Whitesides

Mr. Gene Louis Whitesides, 76, of Statesville, passed away Thursday, February 13, 2014, at Gordon Hospice House. Mr. Whitesides was born March 14, 1937, in Lincoln County and was the son of the late Grier Whitesides and Lucy McAlister Whitesides. He was a graduate of Lincolnton High School class of '55 and he received his Bachelor Degree in teaching from Pheiffer College. On August 7, 1960, he married Gay Crisco Whitesides, who survives. He started his teaching career in Stanley County before retiring from East Iredell Middle School. He was the owner and operator of Whitesides Paint Contractors and worked as District Manager and carrier for Charlotte Observer. Mr. Whitesides was a member of Oakdale Baptist Church and he served in many capacities at the church such as Deacon, Pastor Selection Committee, Sunday School Superintendant, Teacher, Building and Grounds Committee and he volunteered for many church projects. His most notable role was a Boy Scout Leader of Troop 176 and he assisted at least 34 boys in obtaining their Eagle Scout Badge. Mr. Whitesides was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Virginia Dockter and Grace Pearson. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 53 years, Gay C. Whitesides of the home, two sons, David Whitesides and Barry Whitesides (Holly) and two daughters, Renee Whitesides and Gina Mason (Todd), all of Statesville. He was known as "Poppy" by his three granddaughters, Jennifer Hinson (Michael), Jessica Whitesides, and Meredith Mason along with two great-granddaughters, Natalee and Allie Hinson. One brother, Elliott Whitesides (Joann) of Lake Placid, FL, and three sisters, Dorothy Rhodes of Houston, TX, Emily Smith (Gene) of Denver, NC, and Martha Bradley of Morganton, along with a brother-in-law, Roy Pearson of Lincolnton and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services for Mr. Whitesides will be conducted 3:00 PM Tuesday, February 18, 2014, at Oakdale Baptist Church with Mack Mathis and Dr. Wayne Bennett officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County or to the charity of the donor's choice. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.