Harlan Whitehead, 91, of Elizabethton, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 2, 2014. Harlan was born in Roan Mountain, Tenn., on January 4, 1923 to the late Earl and Hattie Hill Whitehead. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Babb Whitehead, in 2006, and a daughter, Sandra Whitehead, in 2010.
Mr. Whitehead was the oldest living relative on the Whitehead side of his family. He was the greatest husband, father, father-in-law, grandpa and great-grandpa and was a lifelong member of First Christian Church of Elizabethton. He was an army veteran of World War II and formerly worked at Smithdeal’s Market, Big K, and Cannon’s Furniture. He had an interesting life — never met a stranger — a very loving and caring man. He loved his hometown and the people and friends. He loved his family and family time. He enjoyed camping, traveling, fishing and telling stories from the past of the “Good Ole Days” and history of Elizabethton and Roan Mountain area.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Darrell Cannon, of Elizabethton; two special grandsons and wives, Chris and Beth Cannon, Elizabethton, and Eric and Kristen Cannon, Elizabethton; four great-grandchildren, Abbi, Cooper, Brady and Reagan; a sister, Jean Hammitt, Elizabethton; sisters-in-law, Anna Hilton, Juanita Babb, Helen and Douglas Cross, Helen Babb, Kathleen Babb and Myrtle W. Rhudy; and his dog, “Charlie.” Several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends, Aunt Retha Whitehead and a special “adopted daughter,” Stevie Drang, also survive.
A service to honor the life of Harlan Whitehead will be conducted at 7 p.m. Saturday, October 4, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Dr. Richard Hilton and Rev. Norman Lovelace officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, prior to the service, or at the residence of his daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Darrell, at anytime. The graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 5, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Chris Cannon, Eric Cannon, Doug Reedy, Dicky Clark, David Hilton, Tim Babb, Jerry Pierce, Ricky Burchett, Curtis Goins, Jim Forgery and Mark Bauman. Honorary pallbearers will be Darrell Cannon, Warren Cannon, Fred Shoun, Norman Lovelace and family, Bruce Drang, Mary Hammitt, Richard Hilton and Sam Babb. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, at 1:15 p.m. Sunday to go in procession. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to the American Cancer Society, C/O Lou Cooter, 415 Washington Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643; or to the Carter County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 134, Elizabethton, TN 37644. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book or by fax at (423) 542-9499.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is proudly serving the Whitehead family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.