Otis Abel Whitehurst

Otis was a thoughtful, generous, and community-minded man. He died doing what he loved the most, working to benefit the community in his hometown of Bessemer City, North Carolina. During his years as a computer programmer and systems analyst, Otis traveled the world and made many friends. He had a warm heart and a remarkable laugh. One of his hobbies was making connections with people by playing the game Six Degrees of Separation to find out who and what he had in common with each person.

Otis is preceded in death by his father, Joe Whitehurst; mother, Lida Whitehurst; and sister, Mary Dickenson. He is survived by his siblings, Bobby Whitehurst, Nancy White, Rufus Whitehurst, and Sarah Whitehurst Tate. His three daughters — Liz, Amanda, and Lauren — his seven grandchildren: Zeke, Isabella, Chloe, Austin, Roxi, Alexa and Bradley. As well as nieces and nephews. 

He was a philanthropist, an outdoorsman, avid gardener, master beekeeper, a carpenter and mechanic when needed, and a 3rd degree blackbelt in both Jiu-Jitsu and Tae Kwon Do.

Otis was a member of the choir here at Long Creek Presbyterian Church, his childhood session, where he returned after retiring from Raytheon. His involvement in the community can not be overstated. He will be dearly missed by family and friends.”

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2024 from 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm at Long Creek Presbyterian Church. The funeral service to celebrate Otis' life will follow at 3:00 pm with Pastor Will Upchurch officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Long Creek Presbyterian Church, 201 Long Creek Rd, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 or plant a tree in memory of Otis.