John Grady Whitehurst

John Grady Whitehurst, 75, of Vanceboro, passed away on September 2, 2026, leaving behind the legacy of a good and honorable man whose life was marked by service, loyalty, hard work, and, above all, love for his family.

Born and raised in New Bern, John graduated from New Bern High School in 1969 before continuing his education at Lenoir Community College. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a chapter of his life that took him far from home. John attained the rank of Sergeant and served in both Okinawa and Turkey. His time in the military reflected something that would remain true throughout his life: when John made a commitment, he took it seriously.

After completing his military service and returning home, John began working at TexasGulf, now Nutrien. What started as a job became a 37-year career. He was a hardworking and dependable man who believed in doing things the right way, and after nearly four decades of dedicated service, John retired in 2012.

But the greatest part of John's story was never found in where he worked or what he accomplished. It was found in the people he loved.

In 1988, John married Donna, the love of his life. For 38 years, they shared the ordinary and extraordinary moments that make a marriage and a life together. When Donna speaks of John, she says simply that “he was the best thing that ever happened to her.” She knew, without question, that John loved her with all of his heart. It is difficult to imagine a more meaningful testament to a man's life than to be remembered that way by the person who knew and loved him best.

That same love and devotion extended to his entire family. John was dedicated to those he loved, and family remembers him as an honest, caring and remarkably selfless man. He was someone who could be counted on—a faithful husband, a devoted father and grandfather, a loving brother and uncle, and a true friend. John cared about people, and he showed that care not merely in words, but in the way he lived.

There was also plenty that John simply enjoyed about life.

He loved golfing and fishing and, when he was able, enjoyed growing a garden. In earlier years, he especially loved being on the water, where there were good times spent skiing and making memories with family. Those were the kinds of days John treasured—not necessarily anything elaborate, just time spent doing something he enjoyed with people who mattered to him.

If there was a college football or basketball game on, chances were good that John was watching, particularly if his beloved UNC Tar Heels were playing. He was a passionate Carolina fan and enjoyed cheering them on through the years.

Music was another thread woven throughout John's life. He enjoyed playing the harmonica and guitar, and he even held onto the trombone he had played during his school days. Music, sports, fishing, golf, gardening and days on the water were all pieces of a life that John knew how to enjoy.
John was a man of deep faith who believed in the power of prayer. He loved the Lord and faithfully served Him, leaving behind a legacy of devotion and commitment to the Lord’s work.

John also believed in brotherhood and service. He was a Master Mason and member of Berne Lodge A.F. & A.M. No. 724, as well as a member of the Scottish Rite and a Sudan Shriner. The values represented by those organizations—integrity, fellowship, charity and service to others—were values that John demonstrated in his own life.

There are many ways to measure a person's life. We can count the years they lived, the places they went, the years they worked, or the things they accomplished. But perhaps the better measure is found in the lives they touched and in what remains in the hearts of those who loved them.

For John's family, what remains is the memory of a man who was honest and dependable. A man who served his country with honor and worked hard throughout his life. A man who valued his friendships and loved his family deeply. A man who gave of himself and cared for others. And, especially, a husband who loved his wife with all of his heart.

Those are the things that cannot be measured by years—and they are the things that remain long after a life has ended.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Donna Swindell Whitehurst; his children, Brian Whitehurst, Janet Whitehurst, and Danny Gilbert (Heather); his brother, Ervin Whitehurst (Terri); sister-in-laws, Mary Collins (David), Fay Jarman (Jerry), and Carla Whitehurst; grandchildren, Ethan Crawford and Kaitlin Weatherington (Tanner); great-grandson, Whitley Thomas Weatherington; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Laura Whitehurst, and his brother, Glenn Whitehurst.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at New Bern Church of God. A funeral service celebrating John's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at New Bern Church of God, with Pastors Doug Case and Jason Whitehurst officiating.

John will be laid to rest at Greenleaf Memorial Park, with Masonic Rites and Military Honors rendered in recognition of his service and dedication.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to the Masonic Home for Children or Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of John Grady Whitehurst.