FUNERAL SERVICE: 12:00 P.M. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2014
OTT & LEE CHAPEL
VISIATION: 10:00 A.M. - 11:45 A.M. FRIDAY
OTT & LEE FUENRAL HOME
INTERMENT: HOMEWOOD UNITED METHODIST CEMETERY
Mr. Whatley, age 71, a resident of Forest, passed away Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. He was born January 29, 1943 at the Scott County Hospital in Morton to his parents Marion Bernie and Mattie Elizabeth Barnes Whatley, Sr. He was a longtime educator and coach of this area, spending most of those years in the Forest Public School system with the exception of eight years where he taught and coached at Taylorsville. Among his coaching awards, he was honored to receive the All Little Dixie (1960), Cotton Valley Conference Coach of the Year (Girls Track 1969), Cotton Valley Conference Coach of the Year (Football 1970), and Cotton Valley Conference Coach of the Year (Boys Track 1970). Being a distinguished insurance salesmen, he was the recipient of the Million Dollar Club Award (1964 American Public Life), Presidents Club Award (1966 American Public Life), and Man of the Year Award (1974 Massachusetts Life). He was a Christian and a member of Homewood United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister: Dollie Whatley Bell, and his father-in-law: Clyde Crimm.
Mr. Bernie is survived by his wife of over 50 years: Gwin Whatley of
Forest; one son: M.B. “Watt” Whatley, III and his wife, Paula of Brandon; five grandchildren: Anna Kathryn Whatley, Alison Whatley, Marion Bernie “Bo” Whatley, IV, Madelyn Freeman and Will Freeman; three nieces: Beth Bell Hollingsworth of Union; Lee Anna Patrick of Forest; and Nichole Robinson of Forest; his mother-in-law: Margaret Crimm of Forest; and one brother-in-law: Lee Crimm and his wife, Mary Ann of Forest.
Serving as pallbearers for the service were: John Shoemaker, Larry Crimm, Tommy Davis, Chase Patrick, Chet Barnes, and J.T. Miles.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Forest.
Tel: 601-469-3412