Hugh E. Whitner, age 78 of Clarkesville, passed away Tuesday, February 05, 2013, at Habersham County Medical Center. Born in Franklin, North Carolina on October 26, 1934, he was a son of the late Virgina Nell Cabe Whitener. Mr. Whitner was a retired deputy with Habersham County Sheriff’s Department with 26 years of service and was a U.S. Army veteran, where he served during the Korean Conflict as a military policeman. He was an active member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church where he served as a Sunday School Teacher and a trustee over the years. In his spare time, Mr. Whitner enjoyed fishing, gardening and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. In addition to his mother, Mr. Whitner was also preceded in death by a brother, Wayne Whitener. Survivors include wife of 39 years, Freda Sanders Whitner of Clarkesville; daughters and sons-in-law, Joy and Mike Henderson and Gay and Ronnie Perry all of Clarkesville; sons and daughtes-in-law, Greg and Kathi Whitner of Comer and Gary (Angie) Whitner of Milldegeville; grandchildren, Joshua Perry (Leah), Matthew Henderson (Lindsey), Brody Henderson (Christy), Cara Henderson, Stacey Tanner (Clint), Jennifer Hettenhouse (Ian), and Christian Whitner; three great grandchildren and one on the way; brothers, Larry Whitener and Alan Whitener both of Clarkesville. Funeral services are 11:00 am Thursday, February 07, 2013, at the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Pastor Tony Kemp officiating. Interment will follow in Ebenezer United Methodist Church cemetery with military honors provided by the Georgia National Guard. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5-8 pm on Wednesday. Flowers are optional or donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice. An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.