Sunny View, NC—Leonard Hiram Whitson, 74, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023 at his home.

Leonard was the son of the late Woodrow and Bulow Wilson Whitson.  He was a veteran of the US Army and proudly served his country in Vietnam.  Leonard was an avid outdoors man that enjoyed hunting and fishing and all that nature had to offer.  He always worked hard to provide for his family, in addition to working a full-time job up until his retirement, he had a workshop at his home where he spent time doing autobody repair and many other projects.  He was a member of Coopers Gap Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Evie Tipton.

Surviving is his wife of 51 years, Kathy Whitson; two sons, Jeremiah Whitson and Johnny Whitson (Denise); five grandchildren, J.D. Bradley (Mackenzie), Megan Allen (Jessie), Hadden Whitson, Hannah Whitson, Madison Whitson; two great grandchildren, one great grandchild on the way and two sisters, Nina Whitson, and Jane Whitson.  Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Coopers Gap Baptist Church with Pastor Don Hollifield officiating.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

The burial will follow at Coopers Gap Baptist Church Cemetery with military rites provided by the Polk County Veteran Memorial Honor Guard.