Richard W. Whisman
November 20, 1935 ~ April 24, 2005
Resided in:
Sevierville, TN
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Richard W. Whisman, born November 20, 1935, died Sunday morning, April 24, 2005, at St. Mary’s Hospice near his home in Sevierville, TN.
His survivors include Ruby, his loving and devoted wife of forty-eight years; a son David and his wife Lisa of Candler; a daughter Michelle McDonald and her husband Calvin of Charlotte; a brother David and his wife Teressa of Prestonsburg, KY; a sister Judith Powell and her husband Daryll of Durham and a niece Amy Nestor and her husband Andrew Snell of Durham.
Mr. Whisman was a native of Bluefield, WV and was a son of the late Henry and Edith Whisman. He served as manager of Asheville’s Patton Avenue Kmart from 1972 to 1979. He retired from Kmart in 1990 after a thirty year career, beginning as a stock boy in a Kresge Store and retiring from the Kmart headquarters in Detroit, MI as a buyer.
His hobbies included trapshooting and woodworking of all kinds. He loved Southern Gospel Music and riding roller coasters. He was a very selfless, compassionate person, thinking always of others before himself.
His friends are invited to a memorial service to celebrate a life well lived. Bring your memories and any photos you wish to share with the family from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2005, at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue.
I HAD THE PRIVELAGE OF WORKING WITH MR. WHISMAN FOR A WHILE. HE WAS SINCERELY A GREAT MAN WITH AN INTERESTING OUTLOOK ON LIFE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU ALL AT THIS TIME.
DAVID, IT HAS BEEN A GOOD WHILE SINCE I HAVE SEEN YOU AND AM THINKING OF YOU DURING THE LOSS OF YOUR DAD.I EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING JUST OVER 3 YEARS AGO AND LOST MY HUNTING AND FISHING BUDDY AND ALSO ONE OF THE TOUGHEST MEN I HAVE EVER KNOWN.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family… We will miss him..
I’ll always remeber Richard as being a really friendly and happy guy.
Richard was a special person. I
knew him from jr. Hi School through
the 12th grade. He always was a warm and likeable person and will always be remembered that way.
I share in your loss and sorrow
in his going home.
Richard was a classmate of mine and was such a nice, kind, and caring person. Beaver Class of 53, will miss him and Richard will be forever in our hearts.
Norma Jean Hartery Stevens
We will miss our Classmate and remembered you as a very kind person.
The sadness that you’re feeling is felt by others,too.whose warmest thoughs of sympathy are being sent to you. May God look down upon you all with love and kindness just as Richard showed his kindness to others.
Dear David & family,
I’m very saddened to learn of Dicks passing. I worked with him at Kmart many years ago. Dick was indeed a fine man and I enjoyed working for him.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
BOB DAVIS
sorry to hear about richard. he and i were good friends in junior and senior high scool. my best to his family.
To Ruby & Family: I remember Richard, a very friendly and likeable classmate. My sympathy for your loss; he can never be replaced. We are richer for having known him. Mike Puckett & wife, Sue.
In one’s lifetime you don’t meet many people who have a dramatic affect on your life, career, and aspirations. Dick Whisman had that affect on me and it was all positive. Mr. Whisman was a great role model for me in my career. I guess you could judge just how he affected me by my personal success. Through his advise, example, and demeaner I used everything he taught me and made a good living with measurable success. I will always remember he and Ruby’s great personalities and examples. They helped guide Janet and me through 30 years of Kmart life and hurdles.
I did not talk with Richard often, but, I knew he was there and available when needed. It will be difficult just knowing he isn’t there.
His memories will be cherished forever and his legacy can be measured by the success of those who most admired and copied his style.
Our life will be less because of his passing. Heaven will be greater because of his presence.
I was one of the pharmacists who opened the first K-Mart pharmacy in Asheville on Patton Ave. Dick Whisman was the store manager. I will never forget the good times we had when he was manager. He was a very caring person and a wonderful manager. I played golf with him several times, and he was always a joy to be around. I, too , love woodworking and he and I spent hours ‘tool’ talking in the pharmacy.
He was a great man who had a positive influence on many lives. I was unable to attend the Sunday service due to working obligations.
My condolences to Ruby, David, Michelle and all the family.
I am so sorry that I will not be able to come to the Memorial Service. I worked for Mr. Whisman for about five years. He was a very fair and just man. I also remember some fun times on the golf course too, but I won’t go there. My sincerest condolences to Ruby and all of the family.
David – I am sure you may not remember me. We went to school together and shared some great times. I have thought of you often through the years. I wanted to send my condolences on the loss of your father and just let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Hamilton Fowler
A great man
Mr. Whisman was the first manager that I had when I got my first job. I learned alot from his wisdom and still use his guiding words to this day. God has brought an angel home.
God Bless
Sorry to hear Of Dick passing.He was loyal K-Mart executive,boss and good friend.I will miss him.
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME. GOD BLESS, SANDRA COLEMAN
To Ruby and Family: Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Your and Dick’s friendship for the past fourty years have been very meaningful to me and my family. May God be with you in these difficult times. Winston
Richard took care of me like a father, he was always willing to listen and offer his wisdom in every situation. I have more respect for Richard than any human being on earth. He was a true legend for his time here on earth and not to forget his loyal and faithful wife Ruby who I also admire and respect for her treating me like I was part of the family. He will surly be missed by those of us who know him and respect his contributions to our lives. We love you Richard and I look forward to seeing you again one day in heaven.
Your forever friend;
Philip cox
Cape Elizabeth Maine
I started in 1976 at Patton Ave store. Took a vacation with RWW we called him to Disney in Florida. We also shot trap together the model 12 Winchester was his favorite. I just now found this and as many said he taught me a lot to help me move on with K Mart op to Store Director with Super K. Mr Whisman I told you I’d get you your $150 by making store manager after you recruited me. You made a huge impression on my life. I recognize many that have signed this register. I’d love to see some of you again.
With utmost respect.
Charles