Billy Langston Whitley, 80, of Blackshear, passed away Thursday evening, August 21, 2025, at his residence, following an extended illness.
Born September 18, 1944, in Alma, he was a son of the late Junior Lee and Marion Nadine Sweat Whitley. He lived most of his life in Ware and Pierce Counties and was a veteran, having served in the United States Army. He had worked as a truck driver for many years, driving for Dixie Concrete and Coca-Cola and was a member of Word of Life Worship in Blackshear.
He was a loving father and doting “Papa” who never missed a chance to say “I love you” or to offer a strongly worded opinion when something didn’t sit right. He cherished his family and friends fiercely, and they always knew exactly where they stood with him — as did several auto dealerships, bank managers and at least one unsuspecting cable company. His opinions were unfiltered, his loyalty never in question and his volume control was permanently set to “passionate”.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Fay Kirkland; two brothers, Tommy Whitley and Johnny Whitley and a step-daughter, Hope Peeples.
Survivors include three children, Tim Whitley, Bradenton, FL, Linda Chaney (husband Brent), Gray and Pamela Hendricks (husband Clayton), Jesup; eight grandchildren, Drew Manning, Cierra Manning, Alyssa Manning, Crissy Christian (husband Wade), Caedmon Chaney, Devin Taylor, Kendle Taylor and Sydney Taylor; fiancé, Lillian Taylor, Blackshear; three sisters, Helen Whitley and Mary Allman, both of Blackshear and Patricia King (husband Richard), Patterson; two brothers, David Whitley (wife Karen), Blackshear and James Whitley, Hoboken and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m.-noon Monday, August 25, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at noon Monday, August 25, from the chapel of Hart Funeral Home.
Interment will follow in the Blackshear City Cemetery.
Sympathy may be expressed online at www.hartfh.com.
Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
