George Richard Whitley, Sr., affectionately known as “Popa”, passed away peacefully at Putnam Community Medical Center on Sunday, March 26, 2017 after an extended illness. Popa was born in Farmville, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin L. Whitley, Sr. and Mary Frances Heath Whitley and a brother, Marvin L. Whitley, Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 39, years, Melody Mistler Whitley, his children, Bonnie Whitley, Mary Frances Whitley, George Richard Whitley, Jr. (Julie), Tosha Mason (Michael), Amanda Whitley (Chad), Tracie Yates (Matt), Mary Whitley, Helen Ellis (Nick) and Jessica Whitley. He also has 25 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren who he absolutely adored as well as many nieces and nephews.
Popa spent his younger years as a merchant marine with the U.S. Coast Guard. He was a very accomplished auto mechanic in the Ocala area. He and his wife raised all 9 of their children in Ft. McCoy on a farm. He taught his children many things, mostly how to work on cars. Popa was an amazing man and raised his children with a loving but firm hand. Nobody could ask for a better daddy! He taught his children how to live, love and pick themselves back up and try again. He was a hard-working man who loved his family. To know him was to love him. He will be missed greatly by all his family. Rest peacefully daddy “Popa”. We love you. Your wings were ready but our hearts were not.
Memorial services will be at 4:00 P.M. Thursday, March 30, 2017 at Francis Baptist Church, 155 CR 309C, Palatka with Pastor Jason Sharp officiating.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at George’s Book of Memories page at www.JohnsonOverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.

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