Dennis James "Pops" Whitney

Dennis James "Pops" Whitney, 82, of Gastonia, passed away on Sunday, January 2, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born on July 24, 1939, in Janesville, WI, he was the son of the late Jack and Bernice Cawkins Blackwell.

Pops was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Gastonia. He retired from Caterpillar Tractor after 32 years of service. Pops and his wife, Sharon, moved to Fort Myers, FL and then to Gastonia after retirement. He was very active in the Lutheran Church and volunteered at Blumenthal Theaters and Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. Pops was also a former member of the YMCA.

In addition to his parents, Dennis is preceded in death by his son, James Whitney; brother, David Whitney; and son-in-law, Dana Williams.

Left to cherish Pop's memories are his loving wife of over 60 years, Sharon Quade Whitney; daughters, Julie Cicci (Jeremy) and Jackie Williams; brother, Terry Whitney (Mary Ann); sister, Chris Woodson (Gary); grandchildren, Samantha Iannino (Tony), Tyler Cicci (Lexxi), Clint Whitney (Shannon), Cassidy Crisp, Hunter Crisp, Heather Phillips (Ryan), Dana Marie Barnes (Shane), and Blake Williams (Danielle); great grandchildren, Jaxson Iannino, Carson Mumpower, Cooper Phillips, Spencer Phillips, Lyndsey Barnes, Carly Barnes, and Ace Barnes; and fur baby, Cassie.

A memorial service, officiated by Pastor Jeff Lindsey, will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Redeemer Lutheran Church – 1915 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia, NC, 28054.

The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to Gaston Hospice – PO Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054 or to the church's backpack or Angel Tree program – Redeemer Lutheran Church - 1915 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia, NC, 28054.

Arrangements are with the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Inc.