Obituary

Milton “Jack” Junior Whitley, 89, passed away on Wednesday, August 6 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Nash County to the late Milton Hugh and Cora Jane Pittman Whitley. Jack was married for 59 years to Annegret Hensel Whitley, who survives.

Jack retired after 30 years with the Burlington Fire Department as Chief of Operations. He was a proud veteran of the US Air Force. He was an avid UNC Tarheel Basketball fan and enjoyed following Nascar. Jack traveled over most of Europe with his wife who was a native of Germany. Jack’s greatest joy was spending time with his kids and grandkids.

Jack is survived by his wife, Ann Hensel Whitely of the home; daughters, Susan May of Burlington, Michele Lecce of Whitsett and Elizabeth Hensel of Burlington; grandchildren, Alyssa May, Jackie Foelske, Paul Hensel and Aerial Hensel; great grandchildren, Emma Hill, Michelle Swett and Jayden Swett; great great grandchildren, Mollie Todd Hensel, Julia Hensel and Ava Hensel and special friends, Chris and Neil Braun. He was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings.

A graveside service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:30am on Monday, August 11, 2025 at Rocky Mount Memorial Park with military honors by the US Air Force. The family will receive friends from 4-6pm on Sunday at Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory with a Burlington Fire Department Honor Guard saluting his many years of service.

Memorials may be made Authoracare Hopice Collective, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.

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