Basil Ray "Hillbilly" Wilhite, 71 yrs, of Petersburg, died Sunday morning, December 7th while under the care of Great Lakes Hospice. Friends may call at the Capaul Funeral Home, Ida, Tuesday from 12-8 PM. Services will be at the funeral home, Wednesday at 11 AM. Pastor Ted Kerr, of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Ida, will officiate. Cremation will follow.

Basil was born July 18, 1937, in Panther, WV, to Harlee and Bertha (Rose) Wilhite. He married Emma Lou Harrah, March 25, 1963, in Chicago, IL. He was employed by H&M Manufacturing in Dundee, retiring in 1980, and was previously employed by Alma Plastics of Milan, MI. He loved fishing, " to pick on people", gardening, and woodworking.

Surviving are: his wife, Emma; two sons, Billy, of Petersburg, Daniel, of Muskegon, MI; a daughter, Rosetta (Dave) Salisburg, of Britton, MI; a brother, Elmer Lockhart, of Collinsville, VA; three sisters, Lucy Comer, of WV, Magie Stacey, of VA, Florene Cosby, of Petersburg; and three grandchildren, Daniel Jr, Ray Mervan, and Krystal. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Tommy, Cletus and Clyde.

Memorial contributions for Mr. Wilhite may be made to Great Lakes Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.capaulfuneralhome.com.

Basil Ray "Hillbilly" Wilhite

1937 - 2008