Kenneth Kirk Whitley Jr.

Kenneth Kirk Whitley Jr., 62 of Indian Train, North Carolina slipped into the arms of his Savior on July 18, 2021 at his home while surrounded by his loving family. 

Growing up on Mountain Island Lake, Ken helped to build the family home. He loved to waterski and to tear up the woods with his brother on their motorcycles. Instilled in him was a love for Jesus, for taking care of family and for others. He played a few sports in high school but loved football and coaching recreational basketball with his father. Elon University is where he honed his leadership skills that would carry him throughout his professional career. 

Once out of college, he was employed by Carnation and later by Nestle working in their sales divisions. He was recognized as loyal and successful employee who found just as much joy seeing the smile on peoples faces as he did closing the sales deals. He became a master negotiator and a self taught Excel expert. Ken was a great listener and was always ready and waiting for a great joke!

Ken adored his family, especially the bond with his children and grandchildren. Some may have thought he had a hard outer shell, but those who knew him knew that his heart was his greatest asset. During the past few years Ken allowed God to break open his heart to expose its truth. He learned that his heart was tender and easily wounded but that it was also HUGE: it was passionate about everything it did and that it was always so full of love. 

Yes, Ken Whitley loved life, but he loved Jesus deeply and wanted everyone he met to also know Jesus as well. Ken strived to live a life that was an example and would always point everyone to the Throne. Whether it be from teaching Sunday school, being a youth leader, attending youth activities and events, his goal was to make everyone, young or old feel like they mattered. 

In 2017, cancer entered Ken's life which changed his mission field but had no effect on his passion and determination. As Ken stepped away from work and youth leadership, his determination became sharing a smile and the love of Jesus with the various medical professionals and patients he intermingled with. No matter what was said in reports or by doctors, Ken truly believed that only God could number his days and that cancer did not cause God to check His math! He regularly said that if cancer brought him closer to his Lord and Savior or if cancer brought others closer to Jesus through him, it couldn't be a bad thing. 

Ken now sits fully healed at the feet of his Lord and Savior smiling his smile and looking down upon those he loved with that warm smile. Though we will miss him dearly, we all know its the best thing and that Ken wouldn't want it any other way. 

Forever and Always

 A visitation will take place at the First Baptist Church of Indian Trail, 732 Indian Trail - Fairview Rd, Indian Trail, NC 28079 on Saturday, July 24 at 10:00 AM followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212. Arrangements are by Life and Legacy Funerals and Cremations, 6525 Old Monroe Rd, Indian Trail, NC 28079.

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