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tone for city
Horace Whitley, who served as Whiteville’s mayor for 34 years, died this week after an extended illness.
People elected Whitley time after time, in large part because he was not only a consensus builder, but he was also able to draw upon his experience as a senior vice president with United Carolina Bank to provide leadership for an expansion of city services coupled with fiscal responsibility.
Though he wasn’t born in Whiteville, Whitley shared with anyone who would listen that “Whiteville is the greatest little city in America.” He genuinely believed that. He was known not only in state circles, but nationally as well. He was the ultimate goodwill ambassador for the city he loved.
Whitley was a master at conducting a city council meeting. He would listen, but he could also be firm when he had to be. Debate was not stifled and he called for closed sessions only when they were required. All voices were heard when Horace Whitley presided.
Remarkably, Whitley had few opponents and fewer enemies over those 36 years. Even if people didn’t agree with him, they knew exactly where they stood. That’s integrity.
Whitley suffered a major heart attack in his last term; yet, he presided over city council with resolve and dignity even when it was obvious he was weak and not feeling well.
It was a sad but inevitable day when he chose not to run for mayor. City Hall is dedicated in his honor, which is fitting for the man who literally gave thousands of hours as an honest, hard-working public servant for the people of Whiteville.
Whitley’s influence set a positive course for Whiteville, and his efforts will be felt for many, many years to come.