Ernest Lawrence Whitley, Sr.

Mr. Ernest Lawrence Whitley Sr., 80, of Summerville, SC passed away Monday, April 7, 2025 in the arms of his wife of 59 years, Mrs. Barbara S. Whitley. He is survived by his one and only son, Ernest Whitley Jr. (Lisa) of Summerville, SC.  He leaves behind six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren who will carry his legacy of serving God and family.

Funeral Services will be Monday afternoon, April 14, 2025 at 1 o’clock at Summerville Baptist Church, 417 Central Avenue, Summerville, SC 29483. Visitation will be from 12 noon until the time of service in the sanctuary.

An additional funeral service will be Wednesday morning, April 16, 2025 at 11 o’clock in the Bennetts Creek Chapel of Sturtevant Funeral Home, 2690 Bridge Road #17, Suffolk, VA 23435. Visitation will be from 10 o’clock until the time of service. Entombment after the service will be in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, 4569 Shoulders Hill Road, Suffolk, VA 23435.

Survivors include his grandchildren, Mrs. Kasey McManus (Kevin), Mrs. Konner Tupper (Marshall), Mr. Kennedy Whitley (Rion), Miss Caroline Whitley, Miss Virginia Whitley, and Miss Georgia Whitley; great-grandchildren, Mr. Betz McManus, Miss Emilia McManus, Mr. Finnegan McManus, Mr. Marshall Tupper Jr., Miss Elizabeth Tupper, Mr. Sonny Tupper, and Miss Harper Whitley; four of his eleven siblings, Mr. Bill Whitley (Marge) of Hanahan, SC, Mr. Paul Whitley (Jury) of Norfolk, VA, Mrs. Annette Whitley Thompson (Jim) of Virginia Beach, and Mr. Gene Whitley (Bonnie) also of Virginia Beach.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Doctor and Beatrice Whitley; and seven siblings, Mrs. Madeline Whitley Cook (George) of Lugoff, SC, Mr. Carter Whitley of Smithfield, VA, Mr. George Whitley (Edna) of Smithfield, VA, Mr. Clarence Whitley (Deloris) of Pascagoula, MI, Mrs. Mildred Whitley Parker (J.W.) of Raleigh, NC, Mr. Milton Whitley (Mary Leigh) of Portsmouth, VA, and Mr. Robert Whitley (Darlene) of Duncan, OK.

Ernest was born on March 11, 1945 in Suffolk, VA.  He grew up on his family's farm along the scenic James River surrounded by his 11 siblings. In 1966 he married his beloved wife, Barbara, shortly before being drafted into the United States Army to serve in Vietnam. After returning from military service, he devoted 13 years to Newport News Shipyard, and then spent 18 years at Norfolk Naval Shipyard where he played a vital role in shipbuilding and left a lasting impact on many. Ernest cherished his time spent with God and family, relished fishing outings, savored eating oysters, and found comfort in reading his Bible. His unwavering faith in God was evident as he made it a daily practice to pray for each of his family members by name.  Those who had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Whitley would often receive a unique nickname from him. He had a gift for laughter and spreading joy through his jokes and stories. For over 50 years, Ernest and his family have cherished regular vacations in the Outer Banks, creating lasting memories together.

Arrangements by PARKS FUNERAL HOME, 130 W. 1st North Street, Summerville, SC 29483. www.parksfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ernest’s name may be made to The Gideons International Processing Center, PO Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251 or by phone at 1-866-382-4253.

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