Eugene Arthur Whitley

Eugene Arthur Whitley 
Dec. 29, 1929 – Feb. 8, 2017

Eugene (Gene) Arthur Whitley, age 87, of Gainesville, Ga, passed away on February 8, 2017 at his residence.  

Born Dec. 29, 1929 in Middletown, OH, he was the son of the late Paul Joseph Whitley and Geneva (Roberts) Whitley.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 27 years, Angie Hebbeler Whitley; two previous wives, Carolyn Stiel Whitley and Suzanne Stevens; brother-in-law Robert Grimes; niece Leann Grimes Davidge; and step-son, Stanton Wayne Hebbeler. 

He is survived by five children; son Joseph and Cathy Whitley of Albany, KY; son Douglas and Laurie Whitley of Columbus, OH; daughter Annette Hebbeler of Lexington, KY; daughter Elisabeth and Charles Leasure of Gainesville, Georgia (GA); and daughter Marsha Hebbeler of Havana  Florida; his sister Joann (Whitley)   Grimes of Middletown, OH; and a daughter-in-law, Sally Hebbeler of Raleigh, NC.  He also has eight grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.     

He was a 1947 graduate of Middletown High School and a 1955 graduate (BS Mechanical Engineering) from Purdue University.  Prior to completing Purdue University, he served in Germany in the US Army during the Korean War (1951-1952).   

He was employed by Bendix Aviation Corporation in Hamilton, OH, for 6 years (55-61), moved to North American Aviation in Columbus, OH, which became Rockwell International.  He was with Rockwell International for 26 years in their Columbus, OH, and Norcross/Duluth, GA, locations.  (62-88) 

He moved to Gainesville in 1988 and enjoyed many years of golf and tennis. He remained in contact with work associates as a member of the Boeing/Rockwell/NA Retirees' Club and their monthly functions. 

He and his wife Angie were active members of St Paul United Methodist Church for over 20 years. They participated in various committees, groups, teams, and classes.  He volunteered as an usher and counter, and worked on church supported missions such as "Good News at Noon", "First Monday Cafe", and "Habitat for Humanity" (two houses).  He delivered "Meals on Wheels" in Gainesville for 25 years. 

He loved to play trombone in junior high, high school, the Purdue University marching band and orchestra, as well as the Rockwell International Concert Band.  He also played handbells at his church. 

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on February 11, 2017 at St Paul United Methodist Church, 404 Washington St. Gainesville.  In lieu of flowers, Gene requested donations in his name to St Paul United Methodist Church.  Online condolences can be made at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com. Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia 30501. 770-297-6200.