Russell Lyle Whitney

Russell Lyle Whitney, 93, of Potterville, formerly of Traverse City, died peacefully on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Russell was born June 8, 1930, at home in Windsor Township, the son of Sylvester Clark and Vera Mae (Getter) Whitney. He attended Potterville Schools before proudly serving in the U.S. Army from 1951-1952. He married his life-long love, Mary Lou Page in Angola, IN, and the two started their family. Russell worked for Fisher Body and Aluminum Extrusion before the family moved to Traverse City, MI in 1970. Russell worked as a custodian for Traverse City Public Schools for 17 years, retiring in 1992. He was a member of the American Legion and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, both in Traverse City. He enjoyed singing and dancing, especially to his own rendition of Jerry Reed’s “The Preacher and the Bear.” Russell loved rat pack music, as well as country music, particularly Conway Twitty. He danced the jitterbug three times a week and played horseshoes and enjoyed biking and walking until he no longer could do so. Above all, Russell loved his family.

Russell is survived by his three sons, Daniel (Mary) Whitney, David Whitney, and Rusty (Marcia Casey-Cole) Whitney; five grandchildren, Danielle, Brandon, Ian, Brent, and Debbie Whitney; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Lou in 2007; grandson, Danny Whitney; brothers, Donald, Wayne, and Robert Whitney; and sisters, Gloria Hickox, Orpha Hayden, Verda Nightengale, and Maxine Cady.

Friends are encouraged to support Russell’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Graveside Service will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. in Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte, with Kathy Dobie officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.