Jimmy Don Whatley

Jimmy Don Whatley, of Terrell, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sept. 9, 2015. Jimmy was born Aug. 1, 1936 in Grand Saline, TX to Leondis and Ruby (Yarbrough) Whatley, both of whom preceded him in death. He pitched for his high school baseball team and after graduating in 1955 from Grand Saline HS, he went on to play in the semi-pro leagues. In 1956, Jimmy enlisted in the Army and then he returned to duty in 1961 with the 49th Infantry during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Prior to reentering the service, he married the love of his life, Janet, and they shared many memories of love and devotion. After his enlistment ended, Jimmy and Janet started their family with the birth of their daughter, Julie in 1964. Jimmy worked on the T & P Railroad as a conductor and brakeman and was one of the last conductors on their passenger trains. The family moved to Terrell in 1969 and Jimmy began his career with Texas Aluminum, which became Howmet, working as a Shipping Warehouse Supervisor. After retiring from Howmet, Jimmy decided to stay active and he began working at Terrell State Hospital. He enjoyed his second retirement from TSH in 1996. Jimmy was raised in the Baptist faith in Grand Saline and then was a member in Bible Baptist Church. Later, he transferred his membership to First Baptist Church of Terrell in 2012. While Jimmy was always a faithful man, he surrendered his life totally to the Lord in 2012 and became a steadfast and strong servant praying for family and friends and even for strangers. Jimmy was a dedicated husband and father who made sure that his family was not just provided for, but truly taken care of, in every way. He was tremendously proud of his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. He was also a great supporter of his nephew’s as well as their competitions and activities. Jimmy made it a point to attend every activity he could whether it was Julie’s Tigerette performances, then later Katelyn’s softball and cheerleading as well as his grandson’s and nephew’s soccer, baseball and football games. Later on, Jimmy was filled with even more pride when his two grandsons would also follow his example to serve our country in the military. His love and gentleness were well known to family and friends but Jimmy even had the tenderest of hearts for his beloved pets and he felt very strongly that they all were an important part of both his life and his family. A cherished husband, wonderful father, devoted grandfather and treasured brother, uncle and friend, Jimmy will always be remembered for creating a legacy of love and dedication that will continue as his heritage. Jimmy leaves to celebrate his memory his wife of almost 54 years, Janet Whatley of Terrell; daughter, Julie Sewell and husband, Keith, of Terrell; grandchildren: Clint Davis of Palestine, Katelyn Sewell of Terrell, Casey Sewell of Abilene; sister, Kathleen Thompson and husband, Johnny, of Grand Saline; nephews: Todd Thompson of Houston and Brian Thompson of Van as well as several extended family and a host of friends. Funeral service will be at 4:00pm, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015 with the family receiving friends beginning at 2:30pm to service time at Anderson-Clayton Bros. Chapel. A private family interment will be held later. For those wishing, memorials in honor of Jimmy may be made to First Baptist Church-Terrell, 403 N. Catherine, Terrell, 75160 or to the charity of your choosing.