Lester Whatley

Lester Whatley, 70, of Lee Co., GA, died Friday, March 28, 2014 at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Graveside funeral services will be conducted Thursday, April 3, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at Crown Hill Cemetery with military honors.

Born in Colquitt, GA, Mr. Whatley moved to Albany, GA in 1950. He graduated from Albany High School in 1963 where he was active with the football team. After graduation he joined the Marine Corps and was a veteran of the Vietnam War where he was a recipient of the Purple Heart. Mr. Whatley moved to Tennessee and graduated from Memphis State University and was employed with the Tennessee Valley Authority and returned to the Albany, GA and Lee Co. area in the 1980's. He had worked with Albany Welding in route sales and was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert D. Whatley and Mamie Gilbert Whatley, a twin brother Chester Whatley and a sister Delores McCue.

Survivors include his companion, Ann Dempsey, Lee Co., GA, a son, Basil Bayne Whatley, Brooklyn, NY, two brothers, Larry Whatley (Rachel), Lee Co., GA and Scott Whatley, Flowery Branch, GA, a sister, Jane Palmer, Ocala, FL. and nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Mathews Funeral Home.