Gerald Franklin Whitley

In Memory of Gerald Franklin Whitley Lakeland - Gerald Whitley of Lakeland, FL passed away peacefully in his sleep at Lakeland Regional Medical Center on July 20, 2015. He was born on December 5, 1922 in Albermarle, NC to James Phares and Milia Efird Whitley. While a teenager, he worked at his father""s bakery but on January 7, 1942, Gerald left high school to join the U.S. Navy after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Fate intervened and because of his last name, he was not assigned to the U.S.S. Hornet which was sunk during the war. Instead, he worked as a radio operator on a DC3 aircraft during WWII. While on military leave, he met Louise Poplin. They married in Florida within a month and were inseparable for over 69 years. After the war, Gerald worked as a warehouse supervisor for Publix and retired after 27 years of dedicated service. He was presented with an honorable high school diploma on November 10, 2001 along with other fellow veterans who were unable to complete school during WWII. Devoted to His family, He is survived by his son Rondal J. Whitley, daughter Dorinda Dooley and husband Kevin. Gerald was also a loving grandfather and great-grandfather to Taylor Roman and his son Kaden, Erin Simpson and husband David with their daughters Alexandra and Madison, and son Elijah. Gerald had four brothers and two sisters. Gerald was the last surviving member of His family and was preceded in death by His parents and siblings Ray, Roy, Edward, Pete, Myrtle Bowers, and Lucille Hutchinson. An active member of his community, he volunteered at local events such as Sun n"" Fun, Tiger Town and with the Florida Gators. Gerald was well known and liked in the boating and skiing community in the 1960s and Buttons and Bows Square Dancing in the 80s and 90s. He traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and truly enjoyed life. Gerald was a true gentleman, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was well respected in the community and was the pillar of his family. His presence leaves a void which can never be replaced but his loved ones take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with the love of his life. A service to celebrate his life will be held Aug 17th at 2pm in the chapel at First United Methodist Church Lakeland with Rev. David McEntire officiating. Reception immediately following the service at the church, military color guard and placement in Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to First United Methodist Church Lakeland and Tampa Shriners Children""s Hospital. Service: 08/17/2015 First United Methodist Church Chapel 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801