Ernest Whitley

Ernest Alexander Whitley, age 87 of Albemarle passed away on January 04, 2011 at Stanly Regional Medical Center in Albemarle. The family will receive friends at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church on Thursday, January 6, from 2-3 PM. The service will follow at the church at 3 PM. Burial to follow at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by Stanly County DAV Chapter 12. Mr. Whitley was born in Locust, NC, on November 22, 1923 to the late Walter and Eva Whitley. Mr. Ernest Alexander Whitley was also preceded in death by his son Ernest Alexander “Ernie” Whitley Jr.; and his brothers, Marvin Whitley, and Fletcher Whitley. Mr. Whitley was graduated from Stanfield High School and attended Stanly Technical College. He was a licensed real estate broker as well as a residential and commercial building contractor. He was president of the Board of Realtors for two terms and a charter member of the Home Builders Association. He served as president of the HBA for one term. He was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He was also a member of Masonic Lodge #703 and the Oasis Temple of Charlotte. Mr. Whitley was a veteran of WWII serving in the US Army 9th Infantry Division. He was the recipient of five Bronze Stars and served in the European Theatre from the Normandy invasion throughout the duration of WWII. Mr. Ernest Alexander Whitley is survived by his spouse Ruth Hinson Whitley of Albemarle; his daughter, Anita W. Hill; his son-in-law, Reginald D. Hill; his grandson, Adam A. Whitley of Anderson, SC; and a special niece, Wilda Hinson Almond. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Whitley family.