Albert John Whitley

Albert John (Al) Whitley, 83, of Mechanicsville, Virginia, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 11, 2023 after a long battle with dementia. Al enjoyed and valued his relationship with many special people who encouraged, supported, and offered lasting friendships. He was a career educator, primarily with Hanover County Public Schools. He was a passionate and devoted educational leader, serving as the principal of the former Lee-Davis High School and former Stonewall Jackson Junior High School for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, physical fitness, watching sports, reading (especially history), listening to a variety of music, and trips to the Outer Banks. He was an avid runner, completing eight marathons and four half marathons. Above all, his greatest loves were and always will be his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; his devoted and loving wife of 57 years; his two sons; his two granddaughters; and his extended family. Al understood and appreciated the value of an education, working his way through college so he could afford it. He earned his Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Virginia in 1971. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Lynchburg College in 1962 and an Associate Degree from Ferrum Junior College in 1960, playing baseball (pitcher) for both colleges. Al is survived by his wife, Carolyn Walton Whitley; two sons, John E. Whitley and Chris R. Whitley (Theresa); two granddaughters, Madison and Savannah Whitley; sister, Patricia Croxton (Robert); brother-in-law, Harold Ralston; and, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary and Aubrey Owen. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Leon Edward and Elsie Lee Whitley; brother, Charles Whitley; and sister, JoAnn Ralston. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 15, 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., at Woody Funeral Home (Atlee Chapel). A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 16 at 10 a.m. at Woody Funeral Home (Atlee Chapel), followed by burial at Hanover Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Albert J. Whitley memorial scholarship for leadership excellence via the Hanover Education Foundation, 200 Berkley Street, Ashland, VA 23005.