John Layton Whitesell, 88, of Brownsburg, Virginia, died Tuesday, June 12, 2012, in Augusta Medical Center.

Born July 21, 1923, he was a son of the late Miley L. Whitesell and Margaret Dudley Whitesell.

Mr. Whitesell was a member of New Providence Presbyterian Church, was postmaster in Brownsburg for 31 years and was owner/operator of Whitesell Grocery for over 34 years.

Surviving are his wife, Virginia Wade Whitesell, Brownsburg; two sons, John M. Whitesell and wife, Joan of Fairfield and Richard L. Whitesell and wife, Joan of Rockbridge Baths; six grandchildren, Vicki Stevens of Brownsburg, Terry Whitesell of Salisbury, N.C., Darren Whitesell of Rockbridge Baths, Kris Whitesell of Fairfield, Greg Whitesell of Charlotte, N.C. and Timmy Whitesell of Fairfield; nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Marjorie Whitesell Chittum and husband, Earl, of Staunton.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 16, 2012, at New Providence Presbyterian Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to New Providence Presbyterian Church, 1208 New Providence Road, Raphine, VA 24472. There will be no visitation at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington.