MURFREESBORO – James Eldridge Whitley, Sr., age 76, of Murfreesboro, passed away on August 7, 2015 at the Southampton MemorialHospital in Franklin, VA. James was born on May 17, 1939 to the late Ryland Washington and Eunice Vann Whitley in Murfreesboro, NC.

James has fought the fight, stayed the course, and won the race. The Lord was his shepherd. God’s Amazing Grace was instilled in his mind and heart. He loved the song How Great Thou Art, because God was Great in his life. A faithful provider for his family, James not only worked by the sweat of his brow, he taught his family to live a Christian life. James was truly a family man. He was very dedicated to his wife, children, and grandchildren. He saw to it that they all learned to do things that would help them later in life. James served his country in the US NAVY.

James retired from Union Camp Paper Mill in Franklin, Va. after working 39 years. After that, he wasn’t satisfied not working, so he had a second career doing carpentry work. James had a natural talent for carpentry. His retirement years were fulfilled and happy doing the carpentry work he loved. He did many jobs helping others and he loved every minute talking to those he worked for. James was faithful to his church, Ahoskie Free Will Baptist, he attended regularly and served as a Deacon. He willingly helped in whatever area he was needed.

Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Charlie Thomas Whitley.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Delores “Dee” of the home; his daughter, Deanna Whitley Bissett of Murfreesboro; his son, James “Jim” Eldridge Whitley Jr. and his wife Jane of Danville, VA; two grandsons, Adam James Bissett of Winter Park, FL and Eric Christian Bissett of Murfreesboro; one granddaughter, Kacie Pierce Whitley of Danville, VA; and two sisters-in-law, Margaret Roland and her husband Johnnie of Murfreesboro and Jean Long Whitley of Winston Salem, NC, along with two nephews.

Visitation was held Sunday, August 9, 2015 at Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel, Murfreesboro, NC.

A celebration of life service was held on Monday, August 10, 2015 at the Ahoskie Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Jeff Cockrell officiating. Burial followed at Riverside Cemetery in Murfreesboro, NC.

Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel handled the arrangements for the Whitley family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.