Don DeWitt Whitley

Don DeWitt Whitley, Jr. of Roebuck, SC passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at the age of 87. He was born in Salisbury, NC to the late Donwell DeWitt Whitley, Sr. and Elcy Miller Whitley.

Raised in Roanoke, VA, Don was a dedicated athlete and went to University of Virginia on a football scholarship. Partway through his education, Don enlisted in the United States Army, where he went on to earn his master’s in civil engineering from Oklahoma State University. Don served his country with honor for over 21 years as Lieutenant Colonel, including a tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam, and many medals and commendations. After retiring from the Army, Don became Plant Engineer for Kohler in Spartanburg, SC for over 20 years.

Don was a disciplined man of strong principles. He took on leadership roles outside of his career, including his time as intermural coach for his children’s many sports teams. Don especially loved gardening and playing tennis with his wife, Phyllis. He also was a member of First North and sang in the choir there for many years.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Phyllis Dority Whitley; children, Wendy Stepp, Sandy Simmons (Danny), David Whitley (Jo Ann), Tracie Horton (Bradley), and Christy Whitley Hagler; grandchildren, Ashley Cooper (Brayden), Colby Stepp, Chad Stepp, Amanda Spradlin (Paul), Taylor McLean (Sam), Hannah Pendergrass (Tres), Zachary Horton, and Dillon Scruggs (fiancée, Andrea); and great-grandchildren, Millie, Myles, Molli, Sullivan, Fletcher, Lincoln, Matthew, Cameron, Nash, and Bowen.

Along with his parents, Don is predeceased by his brother, Woody Whitley, and son-in-law, Rick Stepp.

Due to illness, memorial services are postponed indefinitely. Information will be updated here when available.

In memory of Don, memorial contributions may be made to RoseCrest Retirement Community, c/o Lutheran Homes of South Carolina Foundation, 300 Ministry Drive, Irmo, SC 29063.