Michael L. Whitley, age 74, passed away at home in New Kent, VA on May 27, 2023 surrounded by his family. A native of Virginia Beach, he retired after 32 years of service to the Federal Government-Civil Service including stints at the Joint Forces Intelligence Command, Cinclantfleet, Public Works, Norfolk Naval Shipyard and Mare Island Naval Shipyard in California. He was predeceased by his parents Paul L. Whitley and Mildred L. Whitley; his two brothers, Paul L. Whitley, Jr. and Wayne Whitley and his sister, Pamela Jean Ferrell.
Mike is a graduate of Princess Anne High School, Virginia Beach, VA and Kee Business College with an Associate’s degree in Business. He joined the US Army in 1969 and proudly served in Vietnam for two years in the RECON platoon where he earned a Bronze Star.
Mike is survived by his wife of 38 years, Beth Wood Whitley, with whom he so cherished the great memories and fun times they had together. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Jerry Ferrell Sr., of Mint Hill, NC, nephew, Jerry (Christi) Ferrell Jr. and their daughter, Londyn of Matthews, NC; niece, Robyn Whitley (Mark Hopkins) of Chesapeake, VA and niece, Paula (Bert) Adams of Portsmouth, VA. Also remembered by his uncle, Walter Whitley, aunt, Frances Korleski and cherished cousins and friends. In addition, he is survived by his wife’s family including: brother-in-law Chuck Schuetz of Cupertino, CA and niece, Christie (Chris) Hobbs and their daughter, Lexi of San Jose, CA; sister-in-law Dee (Dave) Gautschi of Trenton, ME and nieces Heidi Gautschi/(Marc Dupont) and their daughter, Lola, of Bussigny, Switzerland and Lisa Gautschi of Trenton, ME/Kathmandu, Nepal and her children Prashant, Nilu (Gagan), Ginisha (Shreep), Shova (Tito) and Sandeep; sister-in-law Kate (Greg) Black of La Conner, WA and niece Jenna (Jack) Armstrong and their children Jane and Jasper of Mt. Vernon, WA; brother-in-law Woody (Holly) Wood of Winchester, MA and nephews Geordie (Meagan) Wood and their children Wren and Romy of Brooklyn, NY and Tyler (Amanda) Wood and daughter, Scout of Pownal, ME; sister-in-law Janet (Mark) Menser of Wayne, PA and nephew, Luke (Rachel) Menser of West Chester, PA and their children Sawyer, William, Carson and Adelle; and niece, Michelle (Chris) Tissue of Washington, DC and their sons, Hunter and Connor.
Mike will be most remembered for his devotion to his wife, Beth, love for family, lasting friendships, commitment to his country, love of cruising on the seas with his wife and friends, supporting the UVA Wahoos, and most of all the joy and laughter he brought to all his nieces and nephews.
All that were lucky to know Mike enjoyed his humor, knew his straightforward manner, loved his big hugs and felt that special sparkle and warmth he offered to all around him. We will sorely miss you, Mike and are holding you close.
A Celebration Service will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 9, 2023 at Vincent Funeral Home, 9923 Pocahontas Trail, Providence Forge, VA., where a viewing will be held one hour before the service. In addition, a second Celebration Service with military honors will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at H.D. Oliver Funeral Home, 2002 Laskin Rd., Virginia Beach, VA., where a viewing will be held one hour before the service. Private burial will be at Riverside Memorial Cemetery, Norfolk, VA.
In memory of Mike, contributions may be made to Hospice of Virginia (Richmond), 2235 Staples Mill Road, Suite 100; Providence United Methodist Church-Food Pantry, 4001 New Kent Highway, Quinton, VA or to a charity of your choice. Mike’s memory will live on in each of us in so many ways.
