Clayton "Pop" Whitley, 92, of Watha died Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCareCenter.

He was born October 4, 1917 in Martin County, the son of the late Samuel and Louvennie Mobley Whitley. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Lynch Whitley and son, Roger Whitley.

Surviving are his daughters, Vennie W. Chadwick and her husband, Gary, and Sandy W. Clark and her husband, Tim, all of Watha; sons, Mitchell Whitley of Lincolnton, Anthony "Tony" Whitley and his wife, Sylvia, of Wilmington and William Whitley of Watha; eleven grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.

Mr. Whitley served his country honorably in the US Army and was very proud to have been chosen as General Paton's personal driver during WW II. He was a retired Dairy farmer and also was retired from Worsley Oil Co. as a truck driver.

Clayton was a loving husband, daddy, granddaddy, great granddaddy, brother and friend who found the greatest of joy spending time with family. His passions in life were fishing, playing poker, and always enjoyed playing jokes on family and friends. He was a hard worker and always took care of his family. His warm heart, delightful personality and quiet faith will forever be remembered.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with The Rev. C. Ray Barnhill officiating.

Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Park.

Casketbearers will be Donnie Whitley, Bobby Stalls, David Barnhill, Bradley Whitley, Robbie Whitley, George Lynch and Walter Lynch.

The family will receive friends 7 to 9:00 p.m. Thursday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Burgaw.

Memorial gifts may be given to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.