WILLIAMSBURG — Dwight Earl “Whitey” Gochenour, 75, passed away Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lousie Gochenour; parents, Grace Cave Gochenour and William Jacob Gochenour; brothers, Ashby, Aubrey, Donald, Leroy, Hunter, Gail and Ivan Gochenour; and sisters, Charlotte Higgins, Goldie Arey and Rose Ella Koutsounadis.
Whitey was the youngest of 14. When his parents passed away, he was raised by his older brother, Ivan (Bobbie) and Charlotte Gochenour.
After graduating from Luray High School in 1963, Whitey enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving three years. While in the U.S. Army, he earned the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and decorations for Marksman (Pistol .45) and Expert (Rifle M-14).
After his time in the U.S. Army, Whitey entered the Virginia State Police Academy and was eventually stationed in Williamsburg. He retired at the rank of sergeant after 37 years. Whitey was active in the Lions Club and the Virginia State Police Alumni Association.
He enjoyed golfing and meeting his fellow retirees for coffee. He most recently found a love for exploring wineries in Virginia with his friend, Carol. He was a very kind and generous man, who cooked his way into your heart. His most enjoyable role of all was being Dad and Pal Pal.
He is survived by his daughter, Amy Joy Rowan of Centreville; sons, Dwight Earl Gochenour II of Woodbridge and Richard Nelsen Morris (Susan) of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren, Samantha Grace Rowan of Centreville, Taylor Yvonne Morris and Marianna Nicole Morris of Atlanta, Georgia; sisters, Frances Seekford and Nancy Ann Tusing of Luray; and brother, Ira (Ikey) Gochenour of Luray.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road. Interment will follow at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 30, in Mount Zion Cemetery, Luray.
Share online condolences with the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
