C.R. "Papa" Whitson

Fairview - C. R. Whitson, 68, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 25, 2010 after battling pancreatitis for 87 days. He was born on December 6, 1941 in Madison County. He was the son of the late Claude and Beulah Whitson. He was preceded in death by one sister, Doris Guthrie; and two brothers: Ray and Roger Whitson. C.R. graduated from A-B Tech College, and was employed and retired from Ball Corporation after 34 years of service. He was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church of Asheville, serving as an usher was a former Deacon and Sunday School teacher. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lavonia Pangle Whitson; one daughter, Donna Burton and son-in-law, Eddie Burton; and two granddaughters: Brynn and Bailey Burton. The special bond that C.R. had with his granddaughters was, Brynn was Papas girl, never give up; Bailey was Papas swim buddy, later gator, after while crocodile. He instilled in his granddaughters the love of the Lord, never give up in difficult situations, and a good, moral, Christian example. He was always there for them, whether they needed a hug, talk about school challenges, or to just enjoy each others company. Each week he took them on a special date, just the two of them. C.R. is also survived by two sisters: Linda Woods of Greenville, TN and Lee Lavoie of Kingston, NY; brothers-in-law: Bill Guthrie and Cletis Pangle, special friend, of Mauston, WI; sister-in-law, Buena Frisbee; and several nieces and nephews. He will be missed by the October Gang: Clete, Jim, and Alva; and the Liars Club: Dan, Coy, Jerry L., Jerry R., Arthur, Jack, and others. Funeral services will be held at 1 PM Tuesday at Trinity Baptist Church, with Rev. Dr. Ralph Sexton, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Tweeds Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11 AM - 1 PM Tuesday at the church. Anders-Rice Funeral Home is assisting the Whitson family.