John "Johnny" H. Whitecotton, Jr.

John H. Whitecotton Jr., 83, of Monterey passed away, Thursday, July 27, 2023 at his home surrounded by family. Our hearts are heavy with his absence, but joyful that he is now in his new home in heaven.

He was born April 8, 1940 in Monterey, a son of the late John H. and Leafy (Simmons) Whitecotton.

Johnny and Nancy made their home in Churchville 53 years prior to retiring to Monterey. He worked in excavation in Charlottesville with A.B. Torrence Construction for 24 years and for Parham Construction 23 years. He started as a laborer and retired in 2013 as a superintendent. Johnny was a faithful member of Hiner Church of the Brethren and an active member of Monterey Lions Club.

Johnny took great joy in simple pleasures. He enjoyed spending time with family, listening to music, moving dirt with his backhoe, helping a friend, traveling, attending auctions and yard sales, hunting, playing Rook, drinking coffee with his friends at High’s and just staying busy. He was known for his good humor, positive attitude, and infectious laugh.

In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by a half-sister, Louise Helmick; and an infant brother, Jimmy.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Nancy (Varner) Whitecotton of 62 years; son, Mark  Whitecotton and wife, Carla of Weyers Cave; daughter, Kathy  Beverage and husband, Dean of Monterey; three granddaughters, Jessica Briggs and husband, Jim of Churchville, Jennifer Desper and husband, Tyler of Stuarts Draft, and Lori Nelson and husband, Abraham of Churchville; one step-granddaughter, Crystal Corzine and husband, Jon of Austin, TX; eight great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandsons; as well as seven nieces and one nephew.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Sunday, July 30, 2023 at Obaugh Funeral Home with pastor Jeff Fike officiating.

Pallbearers will be Sonny Varner, Dean Beverage, Abraham Nelson, Tyler Desper, Jim Briggs, Erik Varner, R.J. White, and Jack Kilgallen.

The family requests that friends visit at the home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Hiner Church of the Brethren, c/o Sonny Varner, 6527 Highland Turnpike, McDowell, Va. 24458 or to Monterey Cemetery, c/o Nancy Sweitzer, 228 Triple Oak Lane, Hot Springs, Va. 24445.