DR. WILLIAM BIGGERS "BILL" WHATLEY Jr.

DR. WILLIAM "BILL" BIGGERS WHATLEY JR. 1923-2010 On July 14, 2010 Dr. William B. Whatley Jr., age 86, died at his home in Opelika, Alabama. He was born, raised and spent most of his life in Opelika. Dr. Whatley graduated from Opelika High School and Auburn University (API) obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree. He then enrolled in dental school at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky where he received his DMD degree in 1946. After spending two years in the Navy, he set up dental practice in Opelika in 1949 where he practiced until he retired at the age of 77. Dr. Whatley was an active longtime member at Trinity United Methodist Church. He was a member of the American Dental Society where he served as district and state president. He served for many years on the Planning Commission for the City of Opelika. Dr. Whatley was a man of strong faith and a loving man devoted to his family. He loved the practice of dentistry, particularly the association with the people in his practice. Dr. Whatley was an accomplished pianist, wood carver, gardener and an avid outdoorsman. Dr. Whatley is predeceased by his first wife, Helen Stites Whatley and survived by his present wife, Sue Parrent Whatley. He is predeceased by his brother, Forest Woods (Mary Mcqueen) Whatley and is survived by his brother Thomas Barry (Fran) Whatley. Dr. Whatley is survived by his four children: James R. Whatley (Nancy) and their children, Carolyn, Mary Brunson and Rodman Whatley; William B. Whatley III (Janet) and his children, Stites (Adele) and grandsons, Duncan and Stewart, Will, Michael (Kelly) and Jack Whatley; Stephen W. Whatley (Lucy) and his children, Kirsten (Frank) Schriner and granddaughter, Helen Hobbs, and Stephen W. Whatley (Kelly); Kathryn W. Walton and her children, Courtney (Earl) Thomas, Katie Woods and Sarah Gant Walton. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. Dr. Whatley's funeral service will be held at 11:30 Am on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at Trinity United Methodist Church with Reverend Joe Lay and Reverend Earl Ballard Officiating. Visitation will be held in the fellowship hall an hour and a half prior to the service. Burial will follow at Garden Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the We Care Ministry at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2ND Ave. Opelika, Alabama 36801. Fredericks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.fredericksfh.com