John Whitley

John D. Whitley, 88, of Oakboro, NC, passed away Saturday, May 26, 2012 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 4:00 pm in the church sanctuary. Dr. Wayne Bennett and Dr. Phillip Hunter will officiate. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by Stanly County DAV, Chapter 12. Born in Stanly County on June 26, 1923, he was the son of the late Dortha Pressly and Emma Jane Hinson Whitley. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Maxzell Hahn Whitley, daughters; Sheila Morgan and husband Trent, and Paula Whitley of Oakboro, grandchildren; Marc Morgan and wife Amy, Kristen Underwood and husband John of Oakboro, Brandon Little and wife Brandy, Brooke Hughes and husband John and Preston Trimble of Georgia, 12 great grandchildren; Alissa, Emma and Brack Morgan, Karsyn and Kylie Underwood, Andrew, Kaden and Chase Little, Cabella, Bristol, Alaina and Reece Hughes, one sister, Laverne Smith and husband Curtis of Oakboro. John began his career with Moose’s Inc. as a men’s clothing salesman for 17 years. He and brother- in- law, Curtis Smith, bought Allen Clothing Store, located on the Square of Albemarle in 1960. Patrons and customers remember the service and offering of “quality clothing for men and young men at a reasonable price.” After 42 years in the clothing field, he retired July 1, 1985. John D. and his wife also had a rental business that provided affordable housing for many young families and retirees. Tenants remember the love and care provided along with the housing. The Whitley’s loved helping young people get a head start in life. John D. was a lover of music and played with the Old House Band of Western Stanly County. Beginning as a group of self-taught musicians and singers, this group of life long friends played together for 60 years, providing entertainment for many, especially senior citizens. The band played a farewell tribute to John D. on Friday night, May 25 at his home. John D. was a 1946 graduate of Oakboro High School and had associate degrees in Radio and Television Technology and Sales and Leadership Training through International Correspondence Schools. He served in the Army in 1943 during WWII. He was also a member of the Chapter 12 DAV and Ritual Team. He was a life long member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where he served as deacon, Sunday School teacher, sound technician and other committees over the years. John D.’s character set the example for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren by loving them dearly and in return they loved him dearly. Memorials may be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 17236 Frog Pond Road, Oakboro, NC 28129. Special thanks to Dr. Hal Royer, Oakboro Medical, Dr. Chris Jones, NorthEast Oncology and Stanly County Hospice and Home Care. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Whitley family. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com