Ishmael George Whitney

Ishmael George “Ish” Whitney, 86, of Mooresville, passed away at home on September 11, 2025, with family by his side. He was born in Petersburg, Indiana on February 27, 1939, to the late Walter and Hazel (McNew) Whitney. Ish graduated from Petersburg High School and subsequently enlisted in the United States Army Reserve. Ish married Hazel “Liz” Haycox on January 9, 1960, and they shared 64 years of marriage before her passing in October 2024.

Ish was a machinist for General Motors for 36 years before his retirement in 1998. He and Liz enjoyed traveling together and had visited all 50 states. They especially enjoyed traveling out west to hunt deer, antelope, and ducks. Canada and Panama City Beach were staple destinations for their fishing trips. Family was most important to Ish, a loving husband, father, and provider.

In addition to his parents, Ish was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Liz Whitney; grandson, Brandon Adams; brothers, Walter Whitney, Jr., William Whitney, and Robert Brown; and sisters, Geraldine Shoaf, Betty June Swain, and Betty Jean Swain.

Survivors include his daughters, Theresa Ferguson (Mark) and Pamela Johnson (Stu); grandchildren, Mackenzi Johnson, Carleigh Stroup (Jon), and Cassondra Aiello (Andrew); and great-grandchildren, Avery, Ryker, and Ashton.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Cremation will take place at the onsite crematory at Carlisle – Branson, and inurnment will be held later in White Lick Cemetery, Mooresville.