Michael Wayne Whitley

Michael (Mike) Wayne Whitley, Age 75, of Chesapeake, Virginia, passed away on December 11, 2025, surrounded by his wife and loving family.
Mike was born in Norfolk, VA on June 6, 1950. He was predeceased by his mother, Alice Frances Traylor Whitley, father, James Albert Whitley, Sr. and by his brother James Albert Whitley, Jr. He also lost his brother-in-law Stephen Dornin and sister-in-law and fishing buddy, Gloria Dornin. Recently passed was his beloved mother-in-law, Josephine Marie Benderavage Dornin.
Mike graduated from Oscar Smith HS in 1968. He worked in high rise building construction for many years, enjoying the comradery of fellow workers as well as seeing the world from heights of many stories in the air. He took pride in his college level training in computer building and repair. Mike has so many abilities and used them to help others. Examples reached from woodworking to welding. He could paint and build anything from vehicles to small buildings.
Mike especially enjoyed travel, radio control model airplanes, woodworking, fishing and car races. His skills reached into so many more areas. He enjoyed the outdoors and was someone who was constantly in motion, could barely sit still. He was always up for a challenge, including rock climbing, backpacking, canoeing and more.
Mike married Esther Michele Dornin, with a love lasting 47 years. He was funny and charming and so loved by many.
Remaining to cherish Mike's memory are his wife, Esther Dornin, sister's-in-law Aleta Link, Valerie McCarty, Nikki Dornin, Meredith Dunn-Dornin and Lori Dornin. He enjoyed time spent with his brothers-in-law, Eric Dornin, Paul Dornin, Patrick McCarty and Andrew Link. His nieces were special to him, Cindy Lynn Stanley and Cathy Ann Whitley.
A private celebration of life will be held at a future time.
Arrangements are in the care of Graham Funeral Home. Please visit grahamfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence to the family.