Alan Forrest Whitesell, age 67, of Readyville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026 surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness. Born on August 4, 1958, in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Alan lived a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Prudence and Blake Whitesell, mother and father in law, Joyce and Jimmy Bugg, his sister, Lynn Whitesell Keenum, and grandchild, Cason Alan Lack. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Whitesell; his brother, Neil Whitesell and wife Tracy of Naples, Florida; sister-in-law, Cindy Odle and husband Jeff of Centertown, Tennessee; and his beloved children, Samantha Whitesell, Brandon Campbell of Readyville, and MacKenzie Lack and husband, Alan of Smithville, Tennessee. He also leaves behind the great joys of his life—his cherished grandchildren, Emerson Lack, Rhett Lack, Braelynn Campbell, and Silas Lack.
A devoted Christian and family man, Alan believed the greatest blessings in life were found in loving others well. He treasured every moment spent with his family, children, and grandchildren. Whether cheering from the sidelines at ballgames, celebrating Award Days, sharing nightly FaceTime calls, babysitting, fixing something, or simply holding his grandchildren close in his lap while teaching them about life, Alan’s love for his family was unwavering and evident in all he did.
Alan’s strong work ethic began at an early age while working on his grandfather’s farm, where he developed a lifelong love for farming, animals, and working with his hands. He had a remarkable gift for growing things and could fix nearly anything. During high school, Alan worked at his father’s business, Whitesell Industries, where his strong work ethic continued to grow.
After graduation, he attended Middle Tennessee State University, and while at MTSU he began working for David Mason, where he developed his deep love for the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. Alan especially loved sharing stories from those years, particularly the unforgettable World Grand Champion victory of Super Stock—a story he could tell with enthusiasm and pride to anyone willing to listen.
Farming remained one of Alan’s greatest passions throughout his life. He raised cotton, soybeans, corn, and many other crops, always finding peace and purpose in working the land. In 2002, he founded his landscaping business, combining his knowledge, creativity, and love of the outdoors into work he truly enjoyed. Alan found happiness in watching things grow and took pride in making the world around him more beautiful.
Alan was also a lifelong and devoted fan of Alabama football. Family and friends knew that if you spent time in Alan’s home, you would quickly learn why Alabama football was something special. Some of his favorite memories were made sitting with loved ones, watching games, and passing that tradition on to the next generation.
Alan will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous heart, steadfast faith, and deep devotion to the people he loved most. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, wisdom, and unconditional love that will continue to live on through his family and all who knew him.
He is also lovingly remembered by longtime special friends Steve Smith, Randy and Linda Wilson, and Richard Rice, whose friendships meant so much to him throughout his life.
The Whitesell family will recieve friends Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from 4:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. and Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. until his time of service.
Funeral services will begin at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, May 28, 2026 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Charlie Gunter and Randy Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in the Riverside Gardens cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Lymphoma Society. Donations may be made through Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net.
