Kenneth Mae Whitley "K.W."

NASHVILLE – Kenneth Mae Whitley “K.W.”, age 74, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Born in Nash County, NC on March 4, 1952, he was the son of the late William Percy Whitley and Ethel Mae Whitley. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Doris Jean Whitley.

Kenneth was one of those people who leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets. A true grade-A master diesel mechanic and gear head, he spent his life working hard, fixing what was broken, and showing up for the people he loved without hesitation.

Kenneth was a cancer survivor and a quadruple bypass heart surgery survivor, proving time and time again just how strong and resilient he was. Long before he married Pam, in 1998, he was already doing the hard work of life as a single father, raising his children with dedication and love.

He loved his family deeply and was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to so many. If you ever met K.W., you knew he was the kind of man who would help anyone in need without thinking twice. He truly had a heart of gold and the patience of a saint. He was loved by everyone lucky enough to know him.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Pamela Howell Whitley; daughters, Kristie Howell, Kylar Whitley (Chris); sons, Keith Whitley, Kris Whitley (Amanda); grandchildren, Aron Parker, David Parker, Katelynn Lamm, Kayleigh Lamm, Corey Whitley, Jacob Whitley, Andrew Whitley, Julia Whitley; sisters, Carolyn Ann Vester, Linda Jean Brannon; brothers, William Junior Whitley “Bill” and Bruce Elton Whitley (Sheila).

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 2:30 PM at Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 661 English Road Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Pastor Marc Swanner officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. A visitation will be from 1:30 PM to 2:15PM prior to the service in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Flowers are welcome.

Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.