A Tribute to Daddy "Our Dad" We'll always remember that special smile, that caring heart, that warm embrace, you always gave us. You being there for Mommy and us through good and bad times, no matter what. . We'll always remember you Dad because they'll never be another one to replace you in our hearts, and the love we will always have for you. Acknowledgements The family of the late Leon Whitley Jr. wishes to acknowledge with their sincere gratitude and appreciation the numerous exressions of love, sympathy and acts of kindness received during this period of bereavement. We have sustained a great loss and your support has helped us immensely. May God continue to bless each of you. The Family Pallbearers Clayton County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard Honorary Pallbearers Curtis Brown Angelo Daniel Kenneth Fisher Jamal Daniel Michael Glover Ronnie B. Wyatt II Jordan Scott Flower Bearers Macedonia A.M.E. Church Steward Board Missionary Board Arrangements Entrusted to Watkins Funeral Home "Service With Compassion" Jonesboro Chapel 163 North Avenue Jonesboro, GA 30236 678-479-0806 www. watkinsfuneralhomeinc. com H 11 onoring His Life" Leon Whitley Jr. Sunrise December 2, 1942 Sunset March 6, 2013 Thursday, March 14,2013 11:00A.M. Macedonia A.M.E. Church 6235 Stagecoach Road Rex, GA 30273 Pastor Hayward White Jr. , M.Div. Officiating Obituary Leon was born in East Baton Rouge Parrish, Louisiana to Leon Whitley Sr. and Mattie (Burks) Whitley. He began his education at Cheneyville Elementary School in Louisiana and graduated from Ravenwood High School in East Palo Alto, California. In 1961 at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably including a tour of duty during the Vietnam war as a Medical Corpsman. While in the military, he met the love of his life Mary Delois McClendon at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The two married on February 9, 1963. From this union they were blessed with four daughters, Natalie, Tina, Angela, and Muriel. Leon began his career with the FAA in 1970 as an Air Traffic Control Specialist until his retirement many years later. During his career he traveled and lived throughout the U.S. with his family. After retiring, Leon kept working for the Dekalb County B.O.E. as a Transportation Supervisor as well as a Computer Specialist Instructor. In the later years of his life, he worked many years at the Clayton County Courthouse as a Courthouse Security Officer and enjoyed his time there until his retirement in August of 2012. Leon was an avid tennis player, golfer, chess player, and all around sports fan. He also loved jazz and blues and kept an extensive vinyl record collection. Leon was called home on March 6, 2013 with his loving wife by his side. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mattie and his father, Leon Sr., Aunts/Uncles; Rosa, Felton, Clifton, and Odell. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 45 years, Mary, daughters; Mary Natalie Goolsby (Harold-Deceased), Tina Daniel (Angelo), Angela Fisher, and Muriel Fisher. Grandchildren; Brittany, Dejuane, Angela, Jamal, Michael, Meagon, Ronnie, Ashley, Karmen, Jordan, Lauren, Collin, Kenneth, Angela, and Jamal. Great grandchildren; Jasmine and Caden. Siblings Claudia, Carl, Regina, Rhoda, Dwight, Louvenia, Willie Mae, Aunts/Uncles; vterling, William-Henry, Alma, Bernice, and Dorothy, plus a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. Order ofService Prelude Processional. ..... Macedonia Choir Revelation 19:1" Congregational Hymn Invocation...................Rev. Eschol Harrell rhe Lord's Prayer" Scripture Readings Old Testament. ................ Rev. Latham Mills New Testament. ..... Pastor Tyrone Barnette Peace Baptist Church, Decatur, GA Reflections................. Friends and Family (Limit to 3 Minutes Please) Special Selection...............Karmen Whitley "Encourage Yourself' Obituary............................(Read Silently) Special Selection ....Macedonia A. M.E. Choir Jt Is Well" Eulogy...............Pastor Hayward White, Jr. Acknowledgements Recessional..........Macedonia A.M.E. Choir Going Up Beyonder' Interment Following Service at Georgia National Cemetery Canton, GA Repass to follow at Macedonia A.M.E. Church Fellowship Hall Papa's Beloved