Rex Whitley

Rex A. Whitley died on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 after a brave and lengthy battle against lymphoma. He was 70 years old. He was born on April 4, 1939 and grew up in Albemarle, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson Breece Whitley and Bertha Irene Whitley. He is survived by his beloved wife of 19 years, Patricia Whitley, of Myrtle Beach, SC, and four children, Crystal Whitley Ragland, Scott Laton Whitley and Cheryl Whitley Lane, all of Raleigh, NC and John Paul Nichols, of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Whitney Ragland, Trey Ragland, Parker Whitley, Alex Lane, Griffin Lane, and Jackson Rex Lane; and two brothers, Gary Whitley, of Jamestown, NC and Tony Whitley, of Albemarle, NC. Rex moved his family to Raleigh, NC in 1973 and began a long and distinguished career with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. He was an adjuster for 10 years, and a Nationwide Agent for 24 years and a proud recipient of the Nationwide Champion Award. Rex was also a member of the Optimist Club for many years. Living in Raleigh, Rex became an avid Wolfpack fan, he worked as an usher at basketball games in Reynolds Coliseum and was a season ticket holder for football games. He was thrilled to drive his family down to Hillsborough Street the night the dream team took the NCAA Championship in 1983. Rex was well known for his love of music. He had an extensive collection of Motown, Beach, Rock and Country Music in his home. His collection was kept in a space known as “The Record Room.” Rex was always the consummate DJ, and later had a vintage jukebox in his home that played Motown and Beach Music 45’s. Rex and Pat relocated to Myrtle Beach, SC in 2003. Together they enjoyed traveling, taking wonderful trips to Italy, Lake Tahoe and several cruises. Lake Tahoe held a special place in his heart and was his last trip this May. While Rex battled a multitude of health issues late in life, he never lost his zest for living, learning and enjoying new experiences with his wife and best friend, Pat. The family would like to thank Dr. Armonio and the staff at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center for the excellent, compassionate care they provided. Rex was able to live longer and have the best quality of life possible because of their kindness and extensive care. A memorial service will be held at Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle, NC, on Saturday, November 21st at 2:00 p.m. followed by a burial at St. Martins Lutheran Church, Albemarle, NC. The family will be receiving visitors at the funeral home from noon until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made to St Jude Children’s Hospital.