Olin Cranford Whitley

Olin Cranford Whitley, 81, of Locust, affectionately known as “Papa”, “Dad”, “Big Guy”, “Big O,” and “Boss Man,” peacefully went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

The family will receive friends and family from 12:00 PM - 1:45 PM on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Canton Baptist Church in Albemarle. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 PM following the visitation. Burial will follow at the Canton Baptist Church Cemetery.

Olin was born February 29, 1944, to Cranford Alton Whitley and Lizzie Hatley Whitley. His Leap Year birth was just the start of what made him special. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was extremely proud of his entire family. Olin married his wife, Nancy, in 1964, and they shared 62 years together.

Coming from a construction background, Olin started his own construction business in 1983, D&W Inc. This business eventually became a family endeavor as his son, Trent, and daughter, Suzanne, began working for the company. Olin devoted his life to the family business and continued to work up until his final days. Olin will always be remembered as a hardworking, loving, family-oriented man of God.

Olin is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Faye Whitley; brothers, Max (Judy) Whitley, Avera (Sarah) Whitley; son, Trent (Karen) Whitley; daughter Suzanne (Rusty) Efird; grandsons Shane (Amanda) Efird, Beau Efird, Jacob (Isabella) Whitley, Luke (Jodi) Whitley; and four great grandsons: Wyatt, Walker, Hudson, and Ellis. In addition to his parents, Olin was preceded in death by his sister, Louise Whitley Morris.

Memorial donations may be made to Canton Baptist Church, 24615 Endy Rd., Albemarle, NC 28001.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Whitley family.