Willis Lee Whitehead

Willis Lee Whitehead, 77, of Sedgefield Drive, Siler City died Thursday, December 18, 2014 at UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill. Mr. Whitehead was born in Perquimans County, NC on January 19, 1937 the son of George W. and Hilda (Griffin) Whitehead. He was a graduate of Lee Senior High School and a 1960 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BS in Pharmacy. He worked as a licensed pharmacist for 50 years, coming to Siler City to open Chatham Rexall Drug with his business partner, Henry Dunlap. Willis was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Siler City having served as a Sunday School teacher, a Deacon and a member of the choir. He maintained continuous civic involvement with Siler City Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees and Lions Club where he received a lifetime membership in 2013. Willis was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Edna Donevan. He is survived by his wife: Diane (Bowers) Whitehead; daughters: Barbara Townsend and husband, Bobby, Loretta Batchelor and husband, Chris both of Bear Creek, NC; sisters: Barbara Neblett of Richmond, VA, Marcella Grantham of Red Springs, NC; grandchildren, Dean, Barrett and Alayna Townsend, Katelyn and Hunter Batchelor; great-granddaughter, Sophie Townsend. The family will receive friends Saturday, December 20, 2014 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 North Second Avenue, Siler City, NC. The funeral will be Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 314 N. 2nd Ave., Siler City with Rev. Tony Capehart officiating. Burial will follow in Chatham Memorial Park, Siler City. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 314 N. Second Avenue, Siler City, NC 27344 or a charity of donor's choice. Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com