Obituary of Wilbur Whatley

BLAIRSVILLE, GA. - Mr. W. B. 'Bill' Whatley, formerly of Auburndale, passed away in Blairsville, GA, on December 5, 2014, surrounded by loving family members. He was born in Chicago, IL, July 12, 1929, son of Lewis Enoch and Bertha Dempsey Whatley. Bill graduated from Auburndale High school, having played football, basketball and running track, also playing in the high school band. He later attended Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, GA. Bill married his high school sweet heart, Patsy Bolin, and owned several local businesses, including a Gulf service station, a home fuel delivery service, Western Auto store and then building an egg farm outside of Auburndale. He also had several whitefaced Hereford cows which he enjoyed. Bill went to work with Coca Cola Foods in Auburndale, became involved in local politics and served as city Commissioner nine years and served as Mayor for two terms. He is a member of First Baptist Church in Auburndale, a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge and member of Egypt Temple Shrine and lifetime member of Rotary club. He retired from Coca Cola Foods in Auburndale. Bill was pre-deceased by his parents, his son, Mike, (12-19-13) and two brothers. He loved to travel, loved the outdoors and loved animals, especially dogs and cows, he loved watching football games and cowboy shows on TV, but most of all, he loved his family! He is survived by his loving wife, Patsy, daughters Sandi Richards (Paul) of Blairsville, Trish Efird (James) of Clemmons, N.C.; son Bill Whatley, Jr. (Gail) of Brooksville, FL; 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many long-time friends. A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, December 20, 2014, from 2:00 until 5:00 PM at Kersey Funeral Home, 108 E. Lake Stella Dr., Auburndale.