Carl Whaley, 85, of Butler, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2015, at his residence, following a brief illness. Carl was a native of Carter County and a son of the late Dana and Amy Gentry Whaley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Stella Reece Whaley; three brothers, Robert, George and Bill Whaley; and a great-granddaughter, Draven Dillard.
Carl retired as a construction worker and was a member of Sink Valley Baptist Church. He enjoyed riding around, going to McDonald’s and fishing.
Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Phyllis Whaley Slemp, of the home; three grandchildren, Beth Smalling, of Hampton, Justin Slemp, of the home, and Jason Slemp, of Butler; and six great-grandchildren, William Dillard, Japan (U.S. Navy), Austin Dillard, of the home, Christian and Savannah Chambers, both of Roan Mountain, and Abby and Emma Slemp, both of Elizabethton. Several nieces, nephews and many friends and neighbors also survive.
A service to honor and celebrate the life of Mr. Carl Whaley will be conducted at 7 p.m. Friday, August 28, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Rev. Ronnie Campbell and Rev. Harvey White officiating. Music will be under the direction of Rev. Ronnie Campbell. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, prior to the service, or at the residence at anytime. The graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 29, in the Reece Cemetery in Butler, Tenn. Active pallbearers will be J.R. Campbell, Burl Campbell, Johnny Campbell, David Griffey, Otis Griffey and Rickey Fortney. Honorary pallbearers will be Bart Smith, Roy Whaley, Terry Reece, Richard Fortney and Richard Moody. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 9:50 a.m. Saturday. Online condolences may be shared with the family at our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Whaley family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.