Fred D. Whatley

Fred Douglas Whatley Sr. was born on November 17, 1929 to the late Jeff and Sinia Whatley in Opelika, Alabama. He was the last surviving son of this union, he was preceded in death by his loving wife Margaret Louise, his daughter Marilyn Louise Thomas, Ph.D. and grandchild Leon Jon Paul; also, his six brothers Thomas Jefferson, Lorenzo, Harvey Roy, Frank, King David, John Madison and three sisters Brinnie, Mary and Hattie Jane.

Fred started his life in Opelika, AL and was moved to Cleveland OH in his teen years to live with his brother Thomas Jefferson. Fred was raised as a Christian and converted to Catholicism in the 1970's at the former St. Henry Parish. He was very active within the church, he was an usher, he was a member of the Men's group and the Fraternal Order of the Knights of Columbus, 4th degree. Fred served his country, during the Korean Ware while in the U.S Army. He worked for Pressure Castings as a machinist. At Pressure Castings he was also a union steward until retirement, he was also a plumber. He loved to travel and was an avid fisherman.

In 1952, Fred married the love of his life, Margaret L Howze and out of this union seven children were born. He loved his family, and often spent time with his nieces and nephews. An active person, until his health started to fail him.

He leaves to cherish his children: Susan D. Whatley, Debra Nunn, Nancy E. Whatley-Griffin Esquire (Cecil), Frederick D. Whatley Jr., Rosalind E. Whatley, Preston S. Whatley, Penelope S. Whatley and God-daughter Carolyn Johnson. Grandchildren: Mauri (Melanie) Nunn, Cecil Nathaniel Griffin III, Michael Bradley Griffin, Brandon Jermel Whatley (Jasmine), Sinia Denise Whatley-Parsons (Aramis), Spencer Douglas Whatley (Kai), Dymon Shawnice Whatley, Erin Raecine Whatley-Baker, Lyndsey Griffin, Yantee Hurd and Margo McKnight. Great grandchildren: Emilie Garcia Nunn, Amie Garcia Nunn, Maurina Nunn, Sydney Sublett Nunn, Dakota Nunn, Cameron Sublett Nunn, Cardell Jones, Jr., Carter Griffin, Amara Penniman Whatley, Ashton Parsons, Leon Penniman Whatley, Jaxyn Griffin, Bella Carter, Bailey Carter, Bryce Carter, Blake Carter. Sister-in-law Vivian Whatley, dear friend Susie Chisholm, Dwayne Banks and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.