Darius Kay Whitson, 71, of Kings Mountain, went home to be with the Lord at 1:45 am on June 11, 2026, at the Testa Hospice House in Kings Mountain. Born in Yancey County, son of the late Frank Whitson and Estelle Horton Whitson.

He retired from Eastwood Homes after 45 years of loyal service, where he worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator.

He was an amazing man and always willing to help others and would give you the shirt off his back. He enjoyed telling jokes and funny stories so that he was able to make people laugh, smile and enjoy life.

He enjoyed riding his dune buggy, working on John Deere lawn mowers and all kinds of tractors, woodworking and loved to build all sorts of things.

He was an avid animal lover, especially when it came to his beloved dogs, Pepper, Blaze, Xena and Lady.

Darius is survived by his beloved son, Michael Andrew Whitson; brother, Boyd Whitson and wife Rhonda; Kathy Whitson and Joann Dellinger who were loving caregivers until the end; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Darius was preceded in death by his son, Darius Kay Whitson Jr.; sisters, Lula Peterson, Pearl Lee Peterson, Inez Peterson, Erna Harris; brother, DK Whitson.

A funeral service will be held 3:30 pm Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Trinity Assembly of God, 307 White Jenkins Road Bessemer City, officiated by Pastor William "Billy" Kirk and Pastor Eric Griffin. The family will receive friends from 2-3:30 pm prior to the service. The burial will be at Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery in Kings Mountain. The family will be hosting a meal after the service at Kathy Whitson's home 311 Stowe Acres in Kings Mountain.

The family would like to give special thanks for the loving care provided to Darius by Testa Hospice House and VIA Health Partners.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to VIA Health Partners of Cleveland County 951 Wendover Heights Drive Shelby, NC 28150.