Martin Franklin Whitaker, 81, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024. Born in Davie County, N.C., he was the son of the late John Henry and Hazel Faye Wall Whitaker.

He was self-employed in the high-rise construction industry before his retirement. He attended Ostwalt Baptist Church in Troutman, N.C., for many years. Martin loved going to flea markets and antiquing.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Judith Morris; three brothers, Charles Whitaker, Johnny Whitaker, and Mitchell Whitaker; and seven sisters, Mary McDaniel, Bobbie Wall, Lucille Wall, Sally Trivette, Nancy Whitaker, Faye McCary, and Bessie Whitaker.

Martin is survived by his long-time special companion, Jewell Kiser; one sister, Linda Basinger; and two special nieces who helped with his health care, Ann Sain and Debbie Lyerly. One special nephew, Gavin Kiser, also survives.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024, at 3 p.m. at Brookhill Memorial Gardens in Rockwell, N.C. Pastor Wesley Morris will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625 or to Ostwalt Baptist Church, P.O. Box 719, Troutman, NC 28166.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.