James Whitley

James Edward Whitley, 81, of Petersburg, died Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at his residence. He was the son of the late James and Alice Womble Whitley. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert F. Whitley and a sister, Elizabeth W. Brennan. Mr. Whitley retired from the Quartermaster School at Ft. Lee as Chief TV Engineer with over thirty years of service. He was a U.S. Army veteran having served during WWII, and was a former member of various Civic Organizations to include: the Lions Club and Optimist Club of Petersburg, Old Dominion Chorus Group, assistant Scout Master, and Eagle Scout in Norfolk, Virginia. He was a graduate of the Capital Radio Institute in Washington D.C. and a former supervisor with WTAR television in Norfolk. Mr. Whitley is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Zelda (Ann) Whitley; a daughter, Janet W. Brager of Costa Rica; two sons, Thomas E Whitley and wife, Lynda of Clarksville, Virginia, and Tim Whitley and wife, Louise of Prince George; Virginia grand children, Josh, Caleb, Bekah, Kyle, Travis, Evan, and Russell; great-grandchildren, Elliot, and McKayla; sisters, Jean Wyche, of Georgia, Mary Louise Everton, of Great Bridge, Virginia, and his best friend, "Sammy." A graveside service will take place 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2009 at Southlawn Memorial Park, Prince George with the Reverend Robert L. Hauck officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Marks United Methodist Church 225 Claremont St Petersburg 23805 or to Crater Community Hospice 3916 S. Crater Rd Petersburg 23805. Arrangements by the Petersburg Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 3935 S. Crater Road. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.