Born on April 1, 1958, Wesley “Bud” Whiting passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Feb. 28, 2023.
Bud lived his entire life as a proud resident of Craig County, Virginia where he roamed the mountain sides and creek banks hunting and fishing throughout the majority of his life. He was a feisty and outspoken character who lived life to the fullest and loved his friends and family with all of his heart.
Bud met his beloved wife Melissa in 1985 and they married exactly one year from the day they met, on December 13, 1986, and started their family in Craig County where they proudly raised their two daughters, Rachel Leigh and Carly Austin. Bud was an amazing girl dad and took pride in the years he spent watching them grow up, play volleyball, and eventually get married and start families of their own. Bud was extremely proud that Melissa retired early from her position as the principal of Craig County High School to take care of him in the final years of his life.
Bud was a hard worker with an incredible work ethic and loved his co-workers at the U.S. Forest Service, Coca-Cola, and Norfolk Southern. The day he received his locomotive engineer license was one of the proudest moments of his life and he could reminisce about train stories “all the live-long day.” More recently, he grew to love his National Pools family and their “work hard/play hard” way of life.
Bud was preceded in death by his father, Joe Parker Whiting, his brother-in-law Butch Harnack, and a multitude of close friends. He is survived by his mother, Patsy Whiting; wife, Melissa Whiting; daughter, Rachel Lower (Brandon); daughter, Carly Teller (Wyatt); grandchildren Charlotte, Austin, and Brooks; sisters Diane Lugar (Alan), Loretta Keffer (Greg), Lisa Harnack, and baby brother Billy Joe Whiting (Cindy). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Grandaddy Bud loved his three grandbabies immensely and was happiest when he was spending time with them. One of his most cherished pastimes was playing music to accompany his sweet Charlotte while she danced and frolicked around the house. The family trip to The Greenbrier in January to spend time with his first grandson, Brooks, and his youngest granddaughter, Austin Kate, made memories that his family will cherish for lifetimes.
Bud’s family will forever be grateful for Nurse Sara and the staff at Lewis Gale’s Medical Intensive Care Unit for the excellent care provided and the support offered.
Bud’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 7 p.m. at Paitsel Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 5- 7 p.m. prior to the service.
