Ewart Wilson Whitesides, Jr. "Junior"

Ewart Wilson Whitesides, Jr. “Junior”, age 67, of Morganton and formerly of Marion, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, September 5, 2018 while under the care of Charles George VA Medical Center’s Hospice & Palliative Care in Asheville.  His loving family was by his side. A native of McDowell County, North Carolina, born February 16, 1951, Junior was the son of the late Ewart and Vivian Conner Whitesides. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Jimmy Whitesides.

A dedicated and hard worker, Junior enjoyed attending car shows and had an interest in classic cars, but he always put his family first.  A proud veteran of the United States Army, he served three tours in Vietnam where he received the Purple Heart.

Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 45 years, Linda Whitesides; five children, Traci Buff (Larry), Terri Whitesides, Bud Whitesides, Jesse Whitesides (Heather) and Stacie Whitesides; one sister, Becky Ozmun; one brother, Tony Whitesides; eleven grandchildren; and twelve great grandchildren.  Junior is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews; and the Vietnam Veterans Line Haul Unit 566TH.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 8, 2018 from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Beam Funeral Service & Crematory.  A graveside service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at Murphy’s Chapel Cemetery in Marion with Rev. Dennis Hensley officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army.