Birth- August 29, 1948 Death- January 31, 2013 A Celebration of Life for Johnny Jaron Whitley, 64, of Decatur, will be Sunday, February 3, 2013 at Peck Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12:00PM to 3:00PM. Funeral following and Burial will be at Burningtree Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Whitley, who died Friday, at Huntsville Hospital, was born 8-29-48 in Morgan County to Mildred Woods Whitley and Talmadge Jackson Whitley. He was employed by Baker-Sonoco Industries. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Culver Whitley and his parents.
Survivors include: his wife and soul mate of 40 years, Mitsie Congo Whitley. One son, James Jaron Whitley (fiancé Holly) of Decatur, One daughter, Jennifer Whitley-Childers (Ruel) of Falkville. One grand daughter, Ashley Glenzer (Michael), One great grandson, Dexter Glenzer. Two special children, Taylor and Trevor. Sisters: Jackie Bryan (Roger), Kim Holmes (Greg), Michelle Reeves(Kerry). Brothers: Steve Whitley (Ellen), Terry Whitley, Ben Whitley (Amanda). Mother- in-law: Betty Congo, sister-in-law: Kim Landers, (Dave), Allison and Jake, and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Whitley started out in Decatur, Alabama with poor eyesight, but a gift for music. His parents bought his first Baby Grand Piano when he was six. By thirteen, he was playing in Huntsville. He played many years at the Cap and Goggles Lounge, where he led the Bo-John Revival. He had the good fortune of playing and entertaining with many talented musicians. Many lives have been touched by the piano licks of “Johnny Be Good.” He loved his family, animals, Millie, Lucy, Lillie, and music almost equally. The river became a second home. He was also known for his love of God and friends. His patience was unwavering and he will be missed by many. Mr. Whitley had a special love for people with disabilities and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Pallbearers will be Tom White, Truel Orr, Rick Kilgore, David Hembree, Joe Weaver, Jim Shepard, Walter Mills, and David Jones.
Honorary Pallbearers: Miles Powell, James Phillips, Billy Don Jones, Don Stisher, Sam Tapscott, Jack Jones, Thomas Bennett, Jay Rape, and Bama Woods, Ben Whitley, Steve Lindsey, and Adam Gilbert.
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