William Kenneth "Bill" Whitesell, Jr, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 17, 2022, with his family by his side.

Bill was born on June 14, 1940, in High Point, NC to Ken and Willa Whitesell. He was the child of two schoolteachers, and he instilled the value of education into his children. Bill was an accomplished French horn player in high school which spurred his lifelong love of classical music.

Bill graduated from North Carolina State University with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering in 1963. He remained a proud N.C. State alumni for the rest of his life and attended numerous football and basketball games throughout the years. It was in Raleigh, NC where Bill met his beloved wife of 59 years, Sara.

In 1970, Bill and his partner, Ralph Green, founded Whitesell-Green, Inc. WGI has more than 51 years of construction experience throughout the Southeast, having built over 400 heavy and commercial projects in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, Virginia, and Kentucky. Bill also took on many roles to support the industry: President of the Northwest Florida Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, a Life Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a Life Governor of the AGC of America, and an Arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association.

Bill and Sara were extensive travelers. They traveled to every continent in the world. Bill enjoyed golfing, attending sporting events, and was often able to combine these passions into his trips. He was a long-time member of the Pensacola Country Club and for many years had a dedicated Saturday morning tee time with his golfing group.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Betty Wesseldine of Sherrill, NY.

He is survived by his wife, Sara; his daughter, Jill Whitesell and her children Sara and Bo Fabbro; his daughter, Beth Locklear, her husband Steve and their children Libby, Jack and Sam; and his son, Billy Whitesell and his children Morganne and Butch; as well as his brother, Don Whitesell of Round Hill, VA and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Visitation will be held 5-7pm Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Harper - Morris Memorial Chapel. Bill would want everyone attending to know that casual attire is appropriate. A private family service will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Gulf Breeze Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill's name to the charity of your choice.