Craig Whitney

Craig Thomas Whitney, age 64, passed away peacefully at home on September 14, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. At the time of his passing, he was in the presence of his loving family.

Craig was born on May 27, 1958 in Clarinda, Iowa to Grant and Phyllis (Draper) Whitney. He was one of six children. Craig married Deana (Simpson) Whitney on September 6, 1989 in Jackson, Tennessee. Craig had four children: Erin, Eric, Jessica and Steven. He had eight grandchildren: Payten, Cooper, Gavin, Charlotte, Ty, Nolen, Scarlett and Spencer.

Craig wouldn’t want us to sugar coat who he was. He’d be the first to tell you he wasn’t perfect and made many mistakes along the way. He was stubborn, quite the grudge holder, and sure had a way of ticking people off. We blame it on genetics. Despite his faults, Craig was a husband, a dad, a grandfather, a brother and a friend. He was forgiven and loved. He was lucky enough to have found his true love, his soul-mate and his best friend in Deana. They never left each other's side and stood true to their vows until the very end. Craig loved her, really loved her.

Craig was a man of many hobbies, some that stuck around a long time and many that didn’t. He had a love for reading, antiquing, photography, the local music scene, tinkering, and conspiracy theories (have you heard of Bufford Pusser?!). He enjoyed a good cup of coffee, a thick peanut butter sandwich, Peter Frampton and John Sanford. He enjoyed any time spent with his grandchildren and we’re convinced they are his greatest accomplishments.

While his presence will be greatly missed, his family is grateful he is no longer suffering. We have no doubt he is chatting it up with his brother, Steve, who preceded him in death. Craig was also preceded in death by his parents and his parents-in-law, Bob and Barbara Simpson.

Craig is survived by his loving wife, Deana Whitney of Jackson, TN; children, Erin Pape of Davenport, IA, Eric (Natalie) Whitney of Omaha, NE, Jessica (TJ) McLaughlin of Jackson, TN and Steven (Destiny) Whitney of Pinson, TN; grandchildren, Payten Pape, Cooper, Pape, Gavin Whitney, Charlotte Whitney, Ty McLaughlin, Nolen McLaughlin, Scarlett McLaughlin and Spencer Whitney; siblings, Mike (Joyce) Whitney, Kathy (Roger) Cole, Kenneth (Jennifer) Whitney and Richard (Sarah) Whitney; siblings-in-law, Shane (Tasha) Simpson; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Celebration of life services will be held in Jackson, TN and Clarinda, IA. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Carl Perkins Child Abuse Center or Saving The Animals Together (STAT) in Craig’s honor.