Rev. Dr. Olin Marsh Whitener, Jr.

Rev. Dr. Olin Marsh Whitener, Jr., 82, entered the Church Triumphant and went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Monroe, North Carolina, on May 18, 1944, Olin was the son of the Rev. Olin Marsh Whitener, Sr. and Alice Boyte Whitener. He often spoke of growing up in a large family filled with love and of the profound impact his father's ministry and untimely death had on his own faith journey.

Olin married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Sloop, on July 5, 1969. Their marriage of nearly fifty-seven years was marked by deep devotion, faithful partnership, and a shared commitment to serving Christ and His Church. Together they raised three sons: Olin Marsh Whitener III ("Tripp"), Jason Scott Whitener, and Benjamin Sloop Whitener.

Following his call into ministry, Olin pursued his theological education while raising a young family, eventually graduating from Columbia Theological Seminary. He was ordained on July 25, 1976, beginning a pastoral ministry that would span almost five decades.

Throughout his ministry, Olin faithfully served congregations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. His pastorates included Shiloh and Dixon Presbyterian Churches in Grover, North Carolina; Allison Creek Presbyterian Church in York, South Carolina; and Darlington Presbyterian Church, where he served for seventeen years and became a beloved spiritual leader in the community. He later answered a call to interim ministry, serving churches throughout the region, including Forest Lake Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church of Orangeburg, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Eastminster Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church of Pulaski, Virginia, First Presbyterian Church of Huntington, West Virginia. His final ministry role was stated supply pastor for nine years at First Dublin Presbyterian Church, ECO.

His ministry extended far beyond the pulpit. Olin served numerous presbytery and synod leadership roles, including Moderator of Bethel and New Harmony Presbyteries and commissioner to the General Assembly. He was equally passionate about serving his community, helping organize and lead The Lord Cares Cooperative Ministry, the Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County, Habitat for Humanity, and numerous other civic organizations. In recognition of a lifetime of service to both church and community, he was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor.

Those who knew Olin remember a pastor with a warm smile, a compassionate heart, a quick wit, and an unwavering belief in God's grace. The testimony of his life reflected the message he preached throughout his ministry: that Jesus Christ alone is Lord, that God's grace reaches farther than we can imagine, and that death is never the final victor because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Away from the church, Olin loved bass fishing, woodworking, snow skiing, sports, and spending time outdoors. Yet his greatest joy was his family. He delighted in watching his children and grandchildren grow and took great pride in their accomplishments and faith journeys.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth Ann Whitener; his sons, Olin M. Whitener III (Susannah), Jason Scott Whitener (Kristy), and Benjamin Sloop Whitener (Myra); grandchildren Louise, Reid, Scott, Brian, Sarah, Noelle, and Ava; and many extended family members, friends, former parishioners, and colleagues whose lives were enriched by his ministry and friendship.

The family takes comfort in the promise Olin proclaimed throughout his ministry: that because Christ is risen, those who belong to Him shall also live. His faith has become sight, and he now rejoices in the presence of the risen Christ whom he loved, served, and proclaimed throughout his life.

A service of witness to the resurrection will be held at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia at 2:00pm on Monday, June 29, 2026. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the mission fund of the donor's home church.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23