Johnny Whaley, age 79 of Wallace died Wednesday, January 7, 2009.

He was born in Duplin County and was the son of the late David John Whaley, Sr. and Jeneva Wood Whaley. He was predeceased by his brothers, Charles Whaley, David John "Buddy" Whaley, Jr., and sister, Louise W. Williams.

Mr. Whaley served his country honorably in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. His passion for "trucking" led him early in life to become a truck driver. In 1967, he became owner and operator of Johnny's Body Shop until retirement in 1995. Being a hard worker, he later became owner and operator of Whaley's Towing Service. During these years of continuous work and dedication, Johnny met many friends and was well respected by people all over North Carolina. With a witty and jovial personality, he never met a stranger. He attended Wallace Pentecostal Holiness Church where he enjoyed praise and worship and he never missed a Sunday. Johnny will be remembered for his generosity, his love for family and friends and his faith in Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-three years, Eloise Mathews Whaley of the home; daughter, Susan Whaley Henderson and husband, Chris of Wallace; son, Billy Whaley and wife, Loria of Clinton; grandchildren, Nicholas "Nick" Whaley and wife, Amanda, Anthony Whaley and wife, Heather, Alissa Whaley, Nathan Whaley, Emily Whaley, Lindsey Henderson and William "Will" Henderson; sisters, Mary Bivins of Wallace, Dorothy Rouse of Goldsboro, Gertrude Dinkins and husband, Morris of Callahan, FL, Ella Mae Pleasants of Jacksonville, FL and Alma Mathews of Wallace and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Saturday, January 10, 2009 at Wallace Pentecostal Holiness Church with the Rev. Bobby Forehand and the Rev. Todd Narron officiating.

Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Park, Watha.

The family will receive friends 7:00 to 9:00 pm Friday at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home, Wallace and other times at the home of Johnny and Eloise Whaley.

Condolences may be made to the Whaley family below.