Thomas Albert Whatley of Margate, Florida passed away on January 31, 2018 at the age of 79. He was born on February 21,1938 to Tommie Lee Nelson and Robert Cody Whatley in Pine Mountain Valley, Georgia. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Mabel, Bennie, George, Irving, Joan, Pearl, and John.
Tom grew up in Lake Worth and attended Lake Worth High School. He served the United States Army for 20 years and retired as Sergeant First Class. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division and the “Hell on Wheels” 2nd Armored Division. His Overseas Assignments were in Panama, Vietnam, and Germany. His Occupational Specialties were Field Artillery Crewman, HAWK Missile System Crewman, and Pershing Missile Guidance & Control Repairman. He also held the dutiful position of Senior Drill Sergeant & Instructor. He received several commendations during his tenure, including the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. While stationed at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, he attended Athens State College from 1970 – 1972.
Tom was humorous, loving, caring and extremely generous. He had a passion for motorcycle riding, muscle cars, technology, sports, and researching on the internet. You could typically find him in front of the television on Saturdays and Sundays watching his favorite football teams ROLL TIDE ROLL! DALLAS COWBOYS! He was quite the conversationalist with extensive knowledge in American History, Sports History, Politics, and simply known as a “walking almanac”. If you wanted a statistic or supporting evidence to dispute an argument, just ask Tom. When he wasn’t watching football he was tuned into FOX News, Blue Bloods, NCIS, Law & Order, tennis, and old cowboy movies.
Tom is survived by his sister Patricia Gale Hull of Lake Worth, Five Children; Thomas Whatley Jr. (Nina) of Boynton Beach, Charles Whatley (Claudia) of Coral Springs, Sheila Delgado (Stacey Hammans) of Oregon, Brett White of Wildwood, Victoria Whatley (Tammy Good) of Margate; Eight Grandchildren; Candise VanPeteghem, Jessica Chapman (Drew), George Delgado (Melissa), Mark Delgado, Thomas Whatley III, Branden Whatley (Maria), Nicholas Whatley, Skyler Whatley, Five Great Grandchildren; Tyr Seibert, Logan Delgado, Ethan Delgado, Everett Chapman, Oliver Chapman; and several nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held on February 9, 2018 at 12:30 pm at the Palm Beach National Chapel 10055 Heritage Farms Rd. Lake Worth, FL 33449 followed by Military Honors at the South Florida National Cemetery 6501 S. State Road 7 Lake Worth, FL 33449.
In lieu of sending flowers, please dedicate a donation in Tom’s name to the Comprehensive Cancer Center at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.