In Memory

Tom Whitley - Class Of 1968

Tom Whitley

 

Thomas M. Whiteley

November 05, 1938 - August 20, 2018

 

FLORENCE – Thomas M. Whiteley, 79, of Florence, passed away on Monday, August 20, 2018.

 

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 25, 2018, at Central United Methodist Church.  The family will receive friends following the service.  Services are being directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home.

 

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette; two children, Holly (Michael) Valenta of Colorado and Zane (Gail) Whiteley of North Carolina; and two grandsons, Reid and Chase.

 

He was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Kate Whiteley, and an infant son, Sean.

 

While employed at Francis Marion University, he served as Dean of Students and coached cross-country and track.  He was awarded “Coach of the Year” 19 times and was very proud of his 19 Academic All-Americans.  He directed the FMU Day Camp for many years, affecting the lives of thousands of area youth between the ages of 5 and 12.  He was inducted into the FMU Hall of Fame in 2014.

 

After retiring from FMU, he enjoyed serving his church, The Optimist Club, and his community.  He became a farmer and enjoyed sharing his vegetables with others.  His ability to tell a good story will be missed by both family and friends.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 87, Florence, SC  29503.