Bill M. Whatley, 78, passed away Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, from respiratory failure in Lakeland.

Born March 15, 1934, in Griffin, Ga., he was the son of the late Sam and Lucille (Dunn) Whatley.

Mr. Whatley was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the 101st Airborne.

He worked as a funeral home attendant for Pittman and Rawls Funeral Home in Griffin for several years.

He moved to Bartow in 1960.
Mr. Whatley worked and served his community in many different ways. He was a former member, deacon, and Sunday school teacher at the Bartow First Baptist Church. He also served in the same capacities at the ARP Church of Bartow. Mr. Whatley was past president of the Bartow Lions Club, Bartow High School Athletic Booster Club and the Bartow Jaycees. He served on the Polk County Health Board, 25 years and past chairman of the Polk County Zoning Board, Bartow City Commission. He was a proud member of the Republican Party of Polk County. Mr. Whatley previously worked as a sales representative for Nabisco, White’s Men Shop, Till’s Office Equipment, and George Stewart Office Equipment. He owned and operated Whatley’s Pipe and Page in Bartow. He also was an Administrator in the Polk County school system. Mr. Whatley was also involved in Polk County prison ministry and education programs.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by two brothers, Esrick and Kenneth Whatley.

He is survived by a loving family that includes his wife of 28 years, Elizabeth (Seay) Whatley of Bartow; three daughters; Dianne Pueschell (Tommy, Sr.) of Lakeland, Donna Whatley of Lakeland, Denise Hord of Okeechobee; a stepson, John Maddox of Alturas, a sister, Barbara Ponsela of Griffin, Ga.; 12 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Visitation is Wednesday, Jan. 9 from 5-7 p.m.

Funeral services will follow Thursday, Jan. 10 at 11 a.m., at the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 205 E. Stanford St., Bartow.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Whidden-McLean Funeral Home.