John Thomas Whaley, Sr., age 86, of Magnolia left this earthly life for his eternal rest on Saturday, June 13, 2020.

He was born on August 16, 1933 in Wilson County, NC; the son of the late Ira Washington and Ellen Mae Bradberry Whaley.  He was predeceased by his daughter, Cathy W. Woodcock and son-in-law, Joe Douglas Malone.

Mr. Whaley proudly served his country for 13 years in the US Army.  He served during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Warsaw Freewill Holiness Church.

Surviving to cherish his memory is his best friend and wife of 67 years, Nancy Atkinson Whaley; his loving children, Teresa Ann Arnold and husband, Robert of Greenville, Rhonda C. Malone of Magnolia, John T. Whaley, Jr., Jerry F. Whaley and wife, Rebecca of Clinton; 14 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren and numerous extended family and friends that loved John dearly.

John was a loving husband and caring father, grandfather and friend.  He found great joy in the simplest of  things, but his greatest joy was his family. He was clearly a family man who loved his children dearly but loved Nancy more and more with every day.  When John was able to work, he enjoyed working on small engines.  He was a great provider for his wife and children.  Most of all, John was a man of compassion and kindness; always ready to say a kind word and help others in need.  With a deep relationship with God, he demonstrated his faith by the way he lived his life.  He was a mentor to young people and a great example of Christ love.  John will surely be missed but treasured memories will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with the Reverend Robert Arnold and the Reverend Albert Howard officating.  The family will receive friends from 2:00pm to 3:00pm, one hour prior the service.  Due to the Covid-19, social distancing will apply.

Burial will follow the service at Riverview Memorial Park, Watha, NC.

You may share your memories and send condolences to the family by selecting our "Guestbook" above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Wallace, NC  910-285-4005