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RAY WHITLEY Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
WHITLEY, Ray RAY WHITLEY SONGWRITER FOR THE TAMS Robert Ray Whitley, better known as Ray Whitley, passed away on Sunday, May 5, following several months of illness. Ray was born in Columbus, Georgia, November 22, 1943, to Robert S. and Willie Bell Whitley. Ray was a successful singer, songwriter and performer in Atlanta during the 60's and 70's, making the Billboard Charts many times with songs he wrote which were performed by the well known group, The Tams. He also wrote for singers Joe South, Billy Joe Royal and Tommy Rowe. A member of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, Ray was probably best known for his songs, "What Kind of Fool Do You Think I Am", "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy" and "Hey Girl, Don't Bother Me". His songs are still played around the world today. Ray is survived by his son Christopher, his sister Jane Whitley Jenssen, and his brother, Donnie Whitley. A memorial service for Ray will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 in the Chapel of Little & Davenport Funeral Home in Gainesville, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Good News at Noon, 979 Davis Street, Gainesville, Georgia 30501. Those wishing to make online condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com. Little & Davenport Funeral Home 355 Dawsonville Hwy., Gainesville, GA 30501 is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for RAY WHITLEY
Darrell Thomas Smith
October 28, 2021
My brother Fredrick D Smith was a close friend and musician friend to Ray. Darrell T Smithis my name. Ray would sing songs he just wrote and ask me what I thought. A great friend and sing writer
Steven
December 14, 2020
We use to always go to the Bistro in Atlanta in the mid sixties to watch Ray perform. He was a great entertainer... and an incredible songwriter. Here he has been gone seven years and just now hearing about it. Thanks Ray.. your music will always be in our memories. Wish we could all go back fifty plus years and hear you perform just once more.
Jay Stripling
June 22, 2013
I got to know Ray through his son Chris, who is like brother to me. Brilliant mind, although he left a legacy of Billboard chart hits, he was unpretentious and humble. RIP Ray.
*BITTERSWEET*
Jorge Corrochano
June 3, 2013
My Dear Friend, Thank You For Teaching Me To Play * I Think I Feel A Hitchhike Coming On * We Had Some Great Times At " The Bistro " Atlanta, GA. George Corrochano of " BITTERSWEET "
Jim Chase
May 29, 2013
Ray had a gift that was a double edged sword. I had the opportunity to work with him when I was staff drummer at Lowery and an engineer/producer at the Sound Shop. He had a very creative mind, and was fun to be around.
May 26, 2013
my other post said the song was 'deeper and Deeper" the correct title is "Deeper In Love" I'm still shocked at the loss of Ray...Thanks
Gene Trammel (Lovin)
May 26, 2013
Ray and i would walk home together from Bass High and talk music, he was such a dear friend, Ray and the Bluechips, he had his dreams and i had mine but we shared some profound subjects, he's in heavan now with more of his great music, me I'm in radio in Chattanooga still playing his music, just last week i played "Deeper and Deeper' rest now my friend and I'll help keep your music alive....
Katie Sloan Jurado
May 15, 2013
He left a beautiful legacy in his music. We will continue to enjoy it. God bless you Ray Whitley!
Tom Diehl
May 14, 2013
Ray was a part of so much great music. His legacy will live on forever through the music he left behind. He is resting comfortably in the arms of Jesus now and is singing a new song. God bless his family left to mourn the earth's loss...we will see him again someday. Music Ray had a hand in gets played frequently at www.topshelfoldies.org and I am proud to help keep his legacy alive.
Sandra Mason
May 14, 2013
My sincere sympathy to Ray's family. I remember the teacher would let Ray sing at the end of class at Bass High and that was always a treat. We love your music Ray.
Eg
May 14, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
May 14, 2013
I just heard The Tams play a free concert in Sandy Springs Sunday night! I had no idea Ray wrote so many of their great songs! RIP!! Your songs will live in the hearts of everyone forever!!
May 14, 2013
Our condolences to Ray's family. Ray was such a nice person. He will always be remembered when we hear the great songs he wrote. Ray will live on in his music.
James and Darlene Crowe, Jasper, GA
May 14, 2013
Turn to God in prayer for he is the healer of broken hearts.-Psalm 147:11
Little Davenport Funeral Home
May 14, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Chuck Mitchell
May 13, 2013
It's been a long long time since the Bistro on Peachtree days, Ray. You wrote a song back then, "Makin' Music, Mama". I sang it, then forgot it, and last week it came back to me. Just in time to say goodbye. Thank you.
Murphy & Sheila McBrayer
May 13, 2013
Ray was a great performer and songwriter,his music and lyrics made you feel young and happy and is still being played all around the world. We want forget Ray Whitley and the contribution his music has made to the happiness of those who have heard it.
Thanks Ray..may your music live on!!!
conley white
May 12, 2013
Godspeed Ray. Thank You for the music.
Jeanette Rish
May 12, 2013
Condolences to Mr. Whitney's family.
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
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