Merle "Sonny" Clarence Whitney

Mr. Merle “Sonny” Clarence Whitney III, 78, of Advance, NC, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home.

Born on October 14, 1947, in Forsyth County, NC, Sonny was the son of the late Merle Clarence Whitney Jr. and Catherine Davis Cardwell Whitney.

Sonny graduated from the University of Colorado in 1969. After returning home, he took over the family flooring business, owning and operating Whitney Decorating and later a Carpet One franchise until his retirement. He was a long-standing member of Fries Moravian Church, where he was a devoted student of Scripture.

Active throughout his life, Sonny was an avid golfer and tennis player, participating in senior leagues well into recent years. He was known for his quick wit, his steady kindness, and his gentle demeanor. Of all his roles, his most cherished was being “Popa” to his five grandchildren — a title he embraced with joy and pride.

In addition to his parents, Sonny was also preceded in death by his brother, Philip Whitney.

Sonny is survived by his daughter, Brooke Whitney Cottrell (Ryan); son, Blake Whitney (Lauren); and grandchildren Jones and Crosby Cottrell and Brynn, Delaney, and Hudson Whitney; his sister, Lynne Pruette (Sonny); brother, Gordon Whitney; aunt, Virginia ‘Pete’ Crater; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

A service celebrating Sonny’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, in the Fries Memorial Moravian Church Sanctuary, with Rev. David Marcus and Rev. Worth Green officiating. The family invites friends to gather for a reception at 11:00 a.m. prior to the service in the fellowship hall. Sonny will be laid to rest in the Salem Moravian Graveyard - God's Acre, following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fries Memorial Moravian Church, 251 N Hawthorne Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27104, or Hebron Colony, 356 Old Turnpike Rd, Boone, NC 28607.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the Whitney family.