In Loving Memory Of Mr. George "Junebug" Whatley

"Praise God, I Made It"
Lyrics & Music Recorded by Inez Andrews (1986 & 1999)

I've been through the storm and the rain, but I made it
I've suffered heartaches and pain, but I made it
My heart's been made to bleed, but I made it
Hallelujah, thank you Jesus, I made it

I've been so sick, but I made it
The doctors said I wouldn't get well; Oh, but I made it
He healed my body now I can tell you, I made it
Thank you Jesus, Hallelujah, I made it

I been down to my last dime, but I made it
My friends couldn't be found, but oh, I made it
Satan thought he had me down, but I made it oh
Thank You Jesus, Hallelujah, I made it

I didn't know my day from night, but I made it
I kept believing everything would be alright and I made it
The Lord gave me strength to fight and I made it hey
Hallelujah, Thank you Jesus, I made it

The mountains been a little too high, but I made it
My so-called friend made me cry, but I made it
Seems like the world was passing me by but I made it
Oh, Hallelujah, thank you Jesus
Hallelujah, thank you Jesus
Hallelujah, thank you Jesus
Hey, I made it

It is with deepest reverence and respect, that the Whatley family of Roanoke, AL must share with our community, the sad news of the home-going of our beloved father and grandfather, George "Junebug" Whatley, 91 of Roanoke.   Though his departure has shaken our very foundation, we must not fail to express our deepest gratitude to God for his 91-year so-journ with us.  At this time, our broken hearts are searching diligently for the strength to continue praising God, for his victorious journey.   We look forward to sharing with our community as we take out time to reflect back over his 91-year sojourn with us.

Mr. Whatley was born around Christmas time, December 12, 1932, in Glenn, Heard County, Georgia, to the parentage of the late Neal Whatley and Ida Bell Lewis.  If we could only imagine, this was one of the most challenging times in our history — for most citizens.  The Great Depression had hit, only three (3) years before his birth.    Historians say 1932 was THE WORSE YEAR of The Great Depression.  Imagine an African-American family of six (6) children, their mother and father, having to survive these times?  

For a newborn black male infant coming into the world,  life probably didn't hold much promise for  George.  BUT GOD...

Their nuclear family included not only the parents, but a brother, Arthur James Whatley, and four (4) sisters: Elizabeth Paige, Ida Harris,  Mary Robinson, Carrie Parker, all predeceased. George was also preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Anthony Thomason.  

Yet, somewhere and somehow, George learned two (2) fundamental life lessons:  the value of hard work; and the value in the Christian faith.  George somehow found himself a place of importance in the lumber milling industry, which was a major industry around rural communities like ours.  He worked for Denton Brothers for many years, until they closed.  After Denton closed, the experience he gained while working in the lumber-milling industry allowed him to transition right on into Truck-driving.  We dare say, he was probably NEVER without a job. George also  connected himself with the Friendship Baptist Church, where he remained faithful in attendance until the onset of Covid-19 IN 2020.  Holding fast to these two (2) LIFE LESSONS, God saw him through. For the entirety of his life. 

He married the love of his life, the late Mrs. Emma Gibson, who preceded him to Heaven.  Aside from working and worshiping, throughout life, George enjoyed fishing and was known to keep everything on the "light side" cultivating a great sense of humor, and telling funny jokes that kept people laughing.   This made people enjoy being around him. 

Sadly, his loved ones were overcome with sorrow to learn that George had quietly slipped away from our grasp on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.   He was at his residence in Roanoke.  We have no doubt that George being the last of his siblings to return home, was welcomed to that glorious reunion with his parents, and six siblings; however the greatest of all outcomes of his transition was to finally see Jesus in the fullness of his glory; and to find eternal rest from his earthly Labors.  

He leaves behind his family of beloved children and grandchildren including: three (3) sons: Preston Leon Whatley (Evelyn) of Hinesville, GA; Charlie Frank Whatley (Janet) of Oklahoma, OK and; George Willis Whatley (Carrie) of Roanoke, AL and;  five (5) adoring daughters: Cindy Denise Whatley Hodnett, Riverdale, GA; Sandra Jean Whatley, Roanoke, AL; Patricia Whatley Trammell (Rev. Calvin) Roanoke, AL; Runetta Whatley, Duluth, GA; Angela Faye Lee, Roanoke, AL; a daughter-in-law, Sophia Thomason of LaGrange, GA; Brother-in-Law, Charlie Will Gipson; Sisters-in-Law, Effie Jean Walls and Eldora Gipson; sixteen (16) grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and many other loving relatives, friends and neighbors.

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