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Fred Lee Whitman, age 72, passed away on Saturday August 8, 2026 at his home. He was born in Gaston County, son of the late Thomas and Doris Whitman Bates. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Shirley Whitman, and his siblings Virginia Whitman Petty and Mary Whitman.
He spent his career operating his own businesses that include Shirley's Restaurant in Belmont as well as C & W Antiques in Stanley. When he was not at work he could be found golfing or watching Tennessee football. He especially cherished his relationship with his grandson Tyler whom he adored and spent many days attending his sporting events and supporting him in whatever he did.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Stefanie Whitman Mullins and Freda Whitman-Reno; his siblings: Betty Whitman, Violet Whitman Trivett, Kathy Whitman Haskins, Dennis Whitman, and Joyce Whitman, as well as his grandson Tyler Reno (Asiah).
A service to celebrate his life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday August 22nd in the Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly. The family will receive friends beginning one hour prior to the service on Saturday also at the Funeral Home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Fred Lee Whitman, please visit our floral store.