CW2 Joseph Harrell Whitehurst Jr. (Retired)

CW2 Joseph Harrell Whitehurst Jr., (RET), 68, of Fayetteville passed away Monday, December 15, 2025 in the Fayetteville VA Medical Center.

Joseph was born in Miami, Florida on August 20, 1957, son to the late Joseph Harrell Whitehurst Sr. and Rosemary Hulslander Whitehurst. Joseph joined the US Army in 1978 rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2 serving several tours in the Gulf War and retired in May of 1998. After Retirement, he entered Law Enforcement becoming a Probation Officer in Fayetteville. Later he became a contractor for the US Army serving all over the world until his retirement. He received his PHD in Psychology in 2024 and loved History, going to Museums, old TV shows like Andy Griffith, Hogans Heroes and John Wayne movies. Joseph loved his family and his loss will be greatly felt by them and all who knew him.

CW2 Whitehurst served with the upmost honor and received the following awards and decorations for his service: Meritorious Service Award (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award), Kuwait Liberation Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (K), Air Assault Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Operator-S Bar.

CW2 Whitehurst is survived by his wife, Sun Whitehurst of the home; a son, Joseph Harrell Whitehurst III of Fort Benning, GA; a daughter, Jessica Sun Whitehurst of Tokyo, Japan; sisters, Carrell Howell and husband Jerry, Deborah Urbine and husband Mark, all of Ohio, Ruth Ivey and husband Wayne of Alabama and many extended family members and friends.

Services will be held in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.