Born July 12, 1935 in Kilbourne to Everett Rue and Sarah Francis (Tackman) Whitley, he married Donna Mae Forbis on January 16, 1955 in Pekin. She died June 5, 2003. He was also preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Daniel Wayne Whitley; and four sisters, Ruth Moore, Mardell Stake, Opal Leamon and Lowenda Wubben.
Surviving are one son, Gail “Wayne” (Lynda) Whitley, Jr. of Pekin; three daughters, Diana (Ricky) Fryman, Twyla Lowe and Richelle (Chris) Tisdale, all of Pekin; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Gail had worked at Caterpillar, Inc., where he started as a core handler in 1955. When he retired on July 1, 1991 he was a 3F42 all around core setter. Following retirement, Gail worked at Ray Dennison Chevrolet in Pekin for a few years.
He loved spending time with his family, fishing, bowling and watching wrestling. He also enjoyed helping others mow their lawns.
Gail was a member of Lighthouse Church of God in Pekin.
His visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Guidelines regarding social distancing and wearing of masks will be followed. A private funeral will be held following the visitation and officiated by Pastor Keith Moore. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate, 530 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61637.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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