Sammy Wren Whatley

Sammy Whatley, a devoted aviator and mentor to countless pilots, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 1:15pm in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation in Chapel Dauphine at Chauvin Funeral Home on Monday, November 4, 2024, beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Born with a passion for flight, He began his journey in aviation at the age of 19, marking the start of a career that spanned more than six decades. For 46 of those years, he proudly served as an FAA Flight Examiner, guiding and inspiring young and seasoned pilots alike. Thousands of pilots had the privilege of taking their check rides with him benefiting from his wealth of experience and his unwavering dedication to their success.

At 72, his passion for flying took him in a new direction as he learned to fly helicopters, an adventure that brought him great joy.

Sammy's lifelong dedication to safe flying and his remarkable contributions to aviation were recognized when, at 83, he received the FAA's highest honor for pilots: the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. This prestigious award, presented to those with over 50 years of safe flying, was a testament to his exceptional skill, commitment, and love for flight. During a ceremony held at the Monroe airport, He was celebrated with a presentation of every certificate he had earned throughout his illustrious career.

Sammy's legacy lives on through the many pilots he taught, the countless lives he touched, and the skies he so dearly loved. He will be remembered as a dedicated flight instructor, an adventurous spirit, and a beloved daddy, papa, pops and friend. His memory will continue to inspire those who take to the skies.

Sammy was a charter member and Deacon of Mulberry Baptist Church, 32nd degree Mason, Shriner, and Staff Sergeant in the Army National Guard. He also enjoyed watching football, especially college football and was an avid Saints fan.

Sammy is survived by his children, Roz Janway and husband Tom, Mike Whatley and wife Pat, Wendi Welsh and husband Billy; grandchildren, Jai Whatley and wife Tiffany, Taylor Whatley, Kyle Welsh and wife Kirsten, Katie Elizabeth Welsh; great grandchildren, Zoe Elizabeth Jones, Kaylee Whatley, Caroline Whatley, Madalyn Triche, Cote Boudreaux II.

Sammy is preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Peggy Whatley; grandchildren, Wendi Janway Jones, Trey Janway; great granddaughter, Magnolia Grace Welsh; parents, Horace Anderson Whatley, Sr. and Hazel Elsie Reagan Whatley; siblings, Horace Whatley, Jr., Dorman Whatley, Tom Bill Whatley, Bobbie Faye Lawson, Priscilla Pope.