James Leroy Whatley, 76, of Caldwell, Texas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.
A public visitation was held in the chapel at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, followed by funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Interment was held at the Snook Cemetery.
On Saturday, November 23, 1946, sixth generation Texan, James Leroy Whatley was born in Conroe, Texas, to Albert James (Cotton) and Lillian Lord (Billie) Whatley, joining sister, Diana, of the family home in Friendswood, Texas. His father worked for Humble Oil Refining Co, and the family was soon transferred to Tomball, Texas.
Leroy attended Tomball schools from kindergarten through graduation in 1966.
He was baptized and confirmed at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Tomball, Texas.
Joining the United States Army after high school, he served as a Tech Specialist 4 and was stationed in Germany. Soon after receiving an honorable discharge, he began working for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.
Leroy married Billie Ann Fritcher in 1999, and in 2004, they permanently moved to Caldwell after his retirement from AT&T after 36 years of service.
Leroy had varied interests which he shared with Billie Ann. These included cruising, gold mining (from Texas to Alaska), dancing, RVing and camping, including trail rides.
He seldom met a stranger and had a prodigious memory especially for western music of the 50-60-70s and movies. He enjoyed playing cards with Texas Hold’em being his favorite.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Billie Ann; son, Darrin, and his wife, Kimberly; granddaughter, Kate; his son, Kell, and his wife Kerry; and granddaughters, Mykala Whatley, Jenna Martinez, and Brooke Foret; sister, Diana (Whatley) Braziel; niece, Markaye (Braziel) Rothman; and nephew, J. Derek Braziel. He is also survived by Billie Ann’s sons, Floyd Fritcher, Jr., and his wife, Amy, and granddaughter, Grace, and Clay Fritcher, wife, Candy, and granddaughter, Hayley and grandson, Braxton; and other members of her extended family.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by Patsi (Van Landingham) Whatley, the mother of his sons; and by his brother- in-law, Jim Braziel.
The family wishes to give special thanks to Caldwell EMS and Brazos Valley Hospice. Gifts in honor may be directed to either organization or to the Caldwell Brethren Church.
Express condolences at PhillipsandLuckey.com.
PHILLIPS & LUCKEY FUNERAL HOME
404 W. Buck St. Caldwell, Tx 77836 979-567-3232