Jerry Ray Whatley

Mr. Jerry Whatley, age 77 of Ball Play, passed away Saturday May 16, 2026 at UAB in Birmingham, AL.

Funeral services will be held at 6pm Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Larry Garrard officiating. Graveside committal services for he and wife Connie will be held at 10am Friday at the Cherokee Memory Gardens. The family will be receiving friends Thursday from 4-6pm at the funeral home.

He is survived his children, Jennifer (Skylar) Ray, Kara (Greg) Cornelius, Blake (Jill) Arthur, Holly (Colby) Patterson and his beloved grandchildren— Jaren and Jy (Paige) Lockridge, Seth and Brandon (Abby) Tucker, and Libby and Ryan Ray, Eva Kate, Wheeler, Justin, and Asa Arthur, Mackenzie, Zoey, Cooper, and Corbin Patterson; and great grandson, John Carter Lockridge. Jerry is also survived by his brother-in-law, Charles Laney; niece, Lori Gaffrey; and special friend, Randy Morgan.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Connie Whatley; parents, Hubert Ray Whatley and Iva Mae Whatley; and his sister, Gail Laney.

Our daddy was a simple man who found joy in the quiet things in life. He loved the beach, riding his Harley with the wind at his back, watching NASCAR races, and cheering on Alabama football every chance he got. He was happiest at home — working outside, mowing his grass, sitting in his chair watching his cats roam outdoors, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of living life on his own terms.

He was independent and set in his ways, and while his first reaction could sometimes seem a little gruff, he had a compassionate heart and always cared about what others were going through. He accepted people just as they were and was always there to help when you truly needed him. He cared for others with patience, kindness, and a selfless spirit. Above all else, he loved his family deeply. The love, strength, and steady presence he gave us will remain with us forever.

Daddy’s favorite song was Lovely Cruise by Jimmy Buffett. The song’s peaceful message about appreciating life and enjoying the journey reflected so much of who he was and the simple life he loved. As the song says we’ve bid our farewells much too soon, but it has been a lovely cruise.

We will love and miss him forever! 

Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

www.cherokeememorialfuneralhome.com