Joseph Lee Whitley Jr.

CONCORD - Joseph Lee Whitley, Jr., 60, of 2703 Lyla Ave., Concord, died at CMC-NorthEast in Concord on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011. Mr. Whitley was born on February 17, 1950 in Stanly County, the son of the late Joseph L. Whitley, Sr. and the late Phyllis Rebecca Barringer Whitley. He was a veteran with the U.S. Navy being stationed in Norfolk, Va. for most of his tour. He attended Faith Freewill Baptist Church in New London and was an avid sportsman. He particularly enjoyed watching the Duke Blue Devils playing basketball. He was employed with Michelin Aircraft Tire Corporation in Norwood until becoming disabled due to his health. Survivors include his wife, Emma L. Ewing Whitley of the home, three daughters; Kristie L. Whitley of Albemarle, Cheryl L. Mabry of Norwood and Karen Williams of Concord, five grandchildren; Jason Hardman, Shanon Metz, Tyler Poplin, Kaylie Poplin and Emma Mabry, two great-grandchildren; Emily Beam and Kayla Hardiman; four brothers: Tommy Whitley and wife, Linda, John Whitley and wife, Kathy, Paul Whitley all of New London and Phillip Whitley and wife, Shelia of Albemarle; eight sisters: Barbara Pinkston and husband, Carl, Linda Turner, Debra Eury, Julie Shue and husband, Randy all of New London and Donna Hathcock and husband, Donald, Teresa Layton and husband, Roger and Rita Simpson and husband, Thomas all of Albemarle and Melissa Tarlton and Randy Liles of Midlothian, Va. The funeral for Mr. Whitley will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 24, 2011 at Whitley's Funeral Home Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Sam Wilson and the Rev. Andrew Ball. Burial will take place at The National Cemetery in Salisbury, with military honors being conducted by the Rowan County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at Whitley's Funeral Home from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday night. At other times the family will be at the residence. Memorials can be made to Faith Freewill Baptist Church, 34915 Locust Ln., New London, NC 28127 or to Multiple Sclerosis Association of America National Headquarters, 706 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002. Whitley's Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.