David William Whelchel

David "Dave" William Whelchel, 75 passed peacefully in his sleep on January 14, 2018 with his loving wife by his side. Born in Cleveland, GA on January 5, 1943 to the late Edwin and Ruth Whelchel, David lived the past 34 years in Locust Grove where he enjoyed working and playing on his 10 acres.

David was in the army reserves for six years right out of high school then went to work at Sears Roebuck Co as the lead mechanic for their vehicle fleet. After retiring in 1998, he worked at Bellamy Strickland part time for a few years.

Anyone that knew David, knows his real passion was fishing. He especially enjoyed deep sea fishing off the gulf of Florida. He loved nothing more than being miles from land where it was just he, the deep blue sea and the fish. In addition, he thoroughly enjoyed fishing the local ponds and lakes for catfish, bass, bluegill, etc. David was also an avid NASCAR and football fan. Sunday afternoons you would find him in front of the t.v. cheering for his favorite driver or team. He loved talking sports with family and friends.

David was a simple man who enjoyed simple pleasures in life. He was not one to live his life as outlined by others and made no excuses for it. He was content with what he had and even later in life was thankful for the small things. He was “1 in a million”.

David (Poppy or “Pops” to his grand children) is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Beverly “Jan", his 3 children Rhonda Harrington, Kent (Juli) Hardin and Jenifer (Marlin) Copeman, his sister Connie (Robin) Murphy, his grandchildren Anthony, Chelsie, Rachel, Kent Jr. and great grandchildren Anthony and Scarlett. In addition, he’s survived by his nephew Chris (Lauran) Murphy and niece Kelly Murphy, great neices and nephews Elizabeth (Alec), Chandler, Kalyn and Savanna and great great nephew Owen. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sacred Journey Hospice in McDonough for their direction, kindness and support over the past few weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Journey in his name.

David’s family will have a celebration of life in his honor this summer. Online condolences and guest book signatures may be sent to the family via: Haisten Funeral Home – McDonough, GA – 770-914-8833, haistenfunerals.com