Feb. 17, 1947 – Dec. 18, 2017

FRANKLIN — John Everette Whitley, 70, passed away suddenly in his home in Franklin, Virginia.

He is predeceased by our parents, Boyce and Salley Whitley of Franklin.

He was the father of Judson Everette Whitley of Pensacola, Florida; the grandfather of Jada and Jayde Whitley, also of Pensacola; the brother of Judith Whitley Gray-Long (Michael) of Carrsville, Virginia, and Diane Whitley Sparzak of Berlin, Maryland; and the uncle of Forrest (Lisha) Wolfe of Carrsville; Wendy (Ray) Edwards of Zuni, Virginia; Justin Wolfe (David Mizejewski) of Washington, D.C.; John K. (Karen) Sparzak of Belair, Maryland; and Mark (Segred) Sparzak of Dallas, Texas. John was also the grand-uncle of Peyton Wolfe of Norfolk, Virginia; Ryan Wolfe of Franklin; Whitley Smith of New York City, New York; Jackson Smith of Farmville, Virginia; Michael (“Alex”) Drewry Jr. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Ryland Edwards of Zuni; “Gabby” and “Alex” Sparzak of Belair; and Ivan, Crawford and Donagan Sparzak of Dallas.

Our dear friend, the Rev. Kenneth Williams, officiated the eulogy.

John was a quiet soul and lived alone. Fishing was a great reflection of his patience and his love for the sport. He was so very proud of his antique and arrowhead collection and the depth of research he dedicated to them.

John was laid to rest with military honors at Albert P. Horton Jr. Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Suffolk, Virginia, on Dec. 29, 2017. Thank you, my dear, for your service. The flag was presented to his son, “Jud.”

I will miss you and your important part in our family. You are my brother and will always be and I will love you always. Your sister and friend, Judy.