Henry Whitley Jr.

Henry Vernon "Bubba" Whitley Jr., 59, of Colonial Heights, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at Retreat Hospital. He was the son of the late Evelyn Mae Farrish and Henry Vernon Whitley Sr. He was a member of Walnut Hill Baptist and Second Baptist Church of Petersburg. Mr. Whitley worked 35 years with Civil Service at Fort Lee, where he had roles that included munitions handler and inspector, ammunitions accountable officer and quality assurance evaluator. Throughout his career Bubba was continually recognized for his untiring devotion and support of soldiers, especially during Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Additionally, Bubba was a proud supporter of the Matoaca Warriors, Longwood University, and James Madison University. He is survived by his wife, Janice Ferrell Whitley; a daughter, Sarah E. Whitley of Farmville; a sister, Martha Whitley Bride and husband, Ricky of Colonial Heights; a brother-in-law, Jerry Ferrell and wife, Carol of Billings, Montana; nieces and nephews, Craig Bride (Dawn), Kim Bryant (Jonathan), Mickey Ferrell (Dawn), and Becky Ferrell McAllister; numerous great nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 28, 2010 at the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard with Mr. Ronald Dunford officiating. Interment to follow in Southlawn Memorial Park, Prince George. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Virginia, 7231 Forest Avenue, Suite 100, Richmond, Virginia 23226 or the Colonial Heights Fire & EMS, P.O. Box 3401, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.