Stephen is survived by his wife Joy Whatley, mother Jo-Ann Glaw, father Stephen Whatley, Sr. and wife Debbie Whatley, brother Michael Thomas Whatley, sister-in-law Wendy Whatley, children Jonathan Thomas Ford Whatley, Melanie Ishman, Clayton Whatley, Nathan Pogue, granddaughter Hazel Rose Whatley, sister-in-law Janice Jons, and father-in-law Paul Jons, and aunt Jane McGregor. Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends will miss his smile, kindness and generosity.
He has joined his Grandfathers Joe Thomas Blount and Albert Ford Whatley on an eternal fishing trip. Stephen has also been united with his Grandmother Audrey Kissinger and Orletta Whatley.
Stephen Jr. accomplished many things in his life. He worked hard for 20+ years, providing for his family and becoming Assistant Project Manager for Kilgore Industries. Everyone that crossed paths with Stephen knows his greatest passions were hunting, and fishing and he always knew to treasure and enjoyed each day with those he loved and held dear.
Courageous Battle
Hanging on to life is a battle, and challenges are not always won, but stubbornness and a will to live drives the cause of life. You fought harder and better than anyone I have ever known, and I am very proud of you.
Once a long time ago, I watched a little boy play in the yard. He would fall and stumble and cry but that didn’t stop him. With tears in his eyes, he continued to move forward to accomplish the task at hand, even when the odds of completion were against him. His final battle, with different tears in his eyes, was against impossible odds. His liver no longer functioned, but he still dreamed of a future and did not give up. His struggle for life never ended. His courage will never be matched, and his smile and laugh will be greatly missed. I wish we could have made your challenge easier, but you are no longer suffering, and I am sure you are now fishing in the boat with Grandad. Tell Dad I miss him so very much and hold a spot on the boat for me.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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