Dateline: Bakersville, NC

Billy Sanford Whitson graduated home to heaven at the age of 94. He was born in Tipton Hill, North Carolina on June 5, 1924 and passed away on July 27, 2018.

Bill resided in Kingsport with his wife Mary Anna where he was a driver for Mason Dixon Truck Lines for 34 years, retiring in 1982. They returned back to the mountains of Bakersville, North Carolina where he farmed and served Jesus. Bill often started his day declaring. "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!" He passed on his insight for living by telling his children "Life is what you make it!" He will be remembered as a man of integrity, kindness, and a joyful spirit.

Bill is survived by his wife of 72 years Mary Anna, sons Jerry (Margaret), Gary (Gayle), Terry (Debbie), and daughter Sherry West (Bobby). Grandchildren McKenzie Sholos, Lane Whitson, Megan Lee, Hayley Fuller, Ainslie Cole, Jered Whitson, Deanna Marshall, Shantel Tanner, Trevor West, and 12 great grandchildren.

The Whitson family wants to express our thanks for the fabulous care Bill received from employees of Hospice of The Blue Ridge. They truly were angels, and we will be forever grateful for their love and selfless commitment to Bill.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to Hospice of The Blue Ridge 236 Hospital Drive Spruce Pine, NC 28777, or Liberty Covenant Church, 4075 US Highway 19-E Burnsville, NC 28714.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 29, 2018 from 2:00PM until 3:00PM at Henline - Hughes Funeral Home in Bakersville, NC with the service to begin at 3:00PM  with Pastor Frank Wyatt and Terry Whitson officiating. Interment will follow the service at Green Young Cemetery, Bakersville, NC.

Henline - Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the Whitson family.