Committal
Chris Witherspoon, 53, of Morganton, NC passed away surrounded by his family and friends on Thursday, June 22, 2023. He was born on February 15, 1970 in Burke County where he was raised by his loving parents, Odell and Mary Ellen Witherspoon. He was a member of First United Methodist Church all of his life. Chris had a contagious smile and a personality everyone loved. He was a loyal friend to all and never complained throughout his journey of declining health. Chris was named Surveyor of the Year multiple times. He recently was named Distinguished Person of the Year in 2022 by the Morganton Rotary Club. Chris loved his family dearly and was the best son, husband, dad, brother and father figure to many. He was the Director of the FUMC Wood Ministry and a member of the Morganton Men’s Club. He was also involved in several other community ministries.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, of almost 26 years, Tanya Witherspoon; children, Carson Witherspoon and Allie Witherspoon; sisters, Leslie Carpenter (Jeremy) and Jamie Sisk (Clay); nieces and nephews, Tucker and Courtney Sisk, Tanner and Abigail Carpenter, and Gavin Johnson; a bonus daughter, Morgan McGhee; many special friends; and his canine companion, Trooper.
He was preceded in death by his biological father, Johnny Black and three sets of grandparents.
The family will receive friends from 12:30pm – 2:00pm on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 in the fellowship hall of First United Methodist Church of Morganton. A memorial service will follow at 2:00pm in the church with Rev. Dana McKim officiating. The service will be live-streamed beginning at 2 pm, on the Facebook page of First United Methodist Church Morganton (https://www.facebook.com/fumcmorganton) or YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@firstumcmorganton9267/streams).
Memorial contributions may be made to the FUMC Wood Ministry or Amorem Hospice of Burke County.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Odell, Mary Ellen and family I was saddened to learn of Chris’ passing. I remember him as a young man and taught him in a paychology class at WPCC. I know that your hearts are broken and that there are few words that can bring you solace right now. These are the times when all we can do is trust in the Lord to give us strength. Please know that we will continue to lift you all up in prayer. Your friends, Ralph and Yolanda Soney
Chris was the funniest and the nicest guy. Was great to have went thru school and graduate together. Gonna miss you spoon!!!
Chris was a true friend to John. They would get together wherever they could connect. For that I am thankful. For the family I’m sending my prayers. A long battle was fought and Chris is finally at rest.
I am so very sorry for you all. “ Spoon” was a great guy and thought so much of. Prayers for comfort and peace your family. Angie Epley Shore 🙏🏼
I went to HS with Chris and he was a wonderful person and friend. His smile was infectious and was always happy. This totally broke my heart when I learned of his passing. He has now BEAT Cancer and is whole again. Please know I am truly sorry for your loss and will be praying for his family during this difficult time. Rest easy classmate! Once a Patriot, ALWAYS a Patriot! Class of '88
We always knew him as "Spoon" -- he was always a bright spot in any day, even when things might not be going perfectly. Cheerful and always ready to laugh, he was one of my favorite "fellow professionals" in the North Carolina Society of Surveyors.
What a great person the world's lost. Chris was truly one of the best, most generous, and most kind-hearted people I have ever known. I had the pleasure of having him as a boss and over the years he also became a friend to me and was like another big brother, providing me with advice and wisdom on so many things. I'll always remember when I wanted to get experience in land surveying I went through the yellow pages alphabetically to ask if any surveyor would hire me and after getting all the way to "w" with no luck, it was Witherspoon Surveying, Chris more specifically, that was thoughtful enough to give me a chance. I could go on with many examples that displayed the great person he was, but I'm sure everyone that knows him has similar stories. That's why he'll be so missed, and to his family just know that you're in my prayers.
So sorry for your loss.. Prayers for comfort during this difficult time.. ❤️
So sad to see you gone brother! Glad I got to say good-bye on my way out of Morganton! Love and peace always! Condolences to Tanya and family!