John Whitener

John Whitener is a professional musician who has performed with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Additionally, he holds an academic appointment at California State University Northridge.

On their 50th wedding anniversary, he surprised his wife by endowing a music scholarship and renaming Dunham Music Hall’s lobby to the Elizabeth Whitener Lobby – an incredibly special moment in their lives.

Early Life and Education

Early years are crucial for a child’s development. This period marks when children form attachments with their primary caregivers and this bond plays an integral role in their emotional wellbeing, social skillset, and academic progress.

Children acquire essential emotional skills like self-belief, emotion regulation and expression. These competencies lay the foundation for later activities such as problem-solving and healthy risk taking.

Many factors contribute to a child’s early education, including their relationship with parents and the environment in which they live. Small class sizes, regular teacher interaction, and safe and supportive environments foster healthy development in young children.

John Whitener is a tuba player and soloist for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, serving as Principal Tuba from 2009 until 2018. In May 2018, he performed Jennifer Higdon’s tuba concerto in Glasgow and Edinburgh; furthermore, John is frequently invited to perform at festivals, recitals, and masterclasses around the world.

Professional Career

John Whitener has been an Oklahoma State star for the past two seasons. A redshirt sophomore, he has been an integral part of their defensive unit.

Whitener, a native of Mansfield, Texas, began his college career at California before transferring to Oregon State. By the end of his first year at OSU he had established himself as the team’s third-leading tackler with 93 tackles.

Whitener will look to cap off his college career on a strong note as a senior. He’s expected to continue being an integral part of the Cowboy defense throughout this final stretch.

Achievements and Honors

John Whitener has made history at Troy as a track and field star, setting multiple school records in the mile, 1500m, 800m and two-mile relay events. As one of Troy’s greatest track and field athletes ever, Whitener will forever be remembered for his accomplishments.

He earned multiple All-America accolades and was a Rhodes Scholarship finalist. Today, he is an influential leader in healthcare and an exemplary example of what it means to be a Trojan.

While in Vietnam, Whitener experienced a spiritual battle within himself that ultimately helped him find peace and become an advocate for gay rights. As a result of this ordeal, he would later write extensively on LGBT issues.

Personal Life

John Whitener was an outspoken champion for LGBTQ+ rights. As President of the Arlington Gay and Lesbian Association, he worked alongside county officials to guarantee that gay employees were safeguarded from discrimination.

He also worked to ensure the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in public health programs. This resulted in a law that made it easier for gays and lesbians to obtain employment opportunities.

He was born in Moore, Oklahoma and passed away on March 7, 2021. He was a loving father and husband who cherished his beloved dachshund, Winnie Marie. His passion for gardening extended beyond that; he would spend hours weeding the front and back yards of his house. Additionally, he enjoyed watching old TV shows like I Love Lucy or The Golden Girls with his family.

Net Worth

John Whitener is a successful businessman with an impressive net worth. He owns The Whitener Company, an advisory and investment firm based in Tennessee.

He serves on the board of directors for several of the firm’s portfolio companies and owns a total of 401,800 shares of common stock.

Whitener has pursued a business career while simultaneously working as a music educator in public schools. For his efforts, he has received numerous honors and awards, solidifying him as an esteemed figure within this field.

His loving wife of 11-1/2 years, L. Patricia (“Tricia”) Wharton Whitener; children Hugh Dave “Tripp” Whitener III (Wesley Mahon) and Laura Whitener Caputo; siblings Jane Whitener Cain of Gastonia, NC, Nell Lee of Columbia, SC and William Jackson Whitener of Union, SC; as well as numerous nieces and nephews he never knew.