James Phares Whitley Jr.

James Phares “Pete” Whitley of Charlotte NC died peacefully in his sleep at Presbyterian Hospital on Sunday September 1, 2013. He was born April 10, 1926, in Albemarle, NC to James Phares and Milia Catherine Whitley. Pete graduated from Albemarle High School and obtained his Eagle Scout distinction before enlisting in the Army during World War II. His battalion served in the battle of Luzon and the occupation of Okinawa. He earned the Philippine Liberation Service Medal with bronze service star, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Army Occupation Medal. After an honorable discharge he returned to Albemarle and began work for his family owned Albemarle Bakery. He worked for Akers Motor Lines and Stone Container before retiring in 1991.

Devoted to his family, he is survived by his wife of 65 years, Clara Jean Hammill Whitley; sons, David Whitley and wife Kathy of DeBary Florida, and William Whitley of Charlotte NC, daughter Karen Ray and husband Robert of Cornelius NC as well as brother Gerald F. Whitley of Lakeland Florida. Pete was also a loving grandfather to Kimberly Whitley, Nikki Whitley McGee and husband Vance, Cameron Ray, and Natalie Ray.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Lee Roy Whitley, William Ray Whitley, Myrtle Bowers, Edward Jay Whitley, Lucille Hutchison, and infant son Richard Allen Whitley.

An active member of his community and Covenant United Methodist Church, Pete was a member of the Methodist Men’s Club and instrumental in organizing the yearly West Side Firefighter and Police Appreciation Dinner at Covenant. He also participated in various fundraisers over his 50 year membership to his church, and was recognized as Lay Leader of the Year.

Pete was also an active participant in the Central Carolinas Emmaus community, Walk 32.

A service to celebrate his life will be held Thursday September 5, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Covenant United Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. Frederick Bowman and Rev. James Allred officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, Sept 4 from 7-9pm at Forest Lawn West funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Covenant United Methodist Church, 6824 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte, NC 28214.