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Randal Whitley Obituary
Randal "Randy" Gilbert Whitley, 59, of Midland, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2020 at home surrounded by his family. He was born Nov. 16, 1960 in Charlevoix, son of the late Jerome and Dorothy Whitley. Randy was a 1980 graduate of Midland High School and Delta College in 1982.
From an early age, Randy loved all sports and was a member of his high school football and track teams. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunting and fishing...rain or shine.
He also had a love of outdoor power sports – in the early 1980s, Randy, along with his brother, Craig, and friend, Dave Belcovson, formed Whitley Racing Team (Randy as navigator) and competed in the offshore powerboat circuit (members of APBA and LSCORA).
Randy loved to cook for his family and friends and they all looked forward to his amazing pig roasts.
Randy owned and operated Central Floor Covering, in downtown Midland. He had the fortune of working alongside his father, Jerome, with whom Randy credited to teaching him everything he knew about the business. Randy's flooring and welding work can be found all over Midland and other parts of the country.
Anyone that had ever known him would have been first met with his light-up-the-room smile. They would also quickly discover that he deeply loved his family and that he was a generous soul, willing to do anything to help someone in need. Above it all, though, was his love for his daughter, Dehlia. She was his favorite hunting, fishing and dune buggying partner.
Randy is survived by his daughter, Dehlia Whitley of Midland; mother, Dorothy Whitley of Midland; brothers, Paul (Tanya) Whitley of Charlevoix, Chris Whitley of Charlevoix, Craig (Cindy) Whitley of Petoskey, Andrea (John) Cymbal of Royal Oak; sister-in-law, Nancy Whitley of Charlevoix (married to the late Jerry "Jigs" Whitley; nieces and nephews, Jessica (David) Bertinelli, Benjamin (Andrea) Whitley, each of Charlevoix, Lukas (Merissa) Whitley of Bellaire, Zackary (Maggie) Whitley of Royal Oak, Tiffany (Jed) Drenth of Petoskey, Grace Whitley of New York City, Gunnar Whitley of Grand Rapids, Godson Dalton Cymbal and Whitley Cymbal of Royal Oak; uncle, Larry Petersen of Milford; and aunt, Mary Walls of California.
Randy was preceded in death by his father, Jerome Whitley; and his brother, Jerome "Jigs" Whitley.
A celebration of Randy's life will be held at a later date. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Randal Whitley
Theresa Rathsack
April 30, 2020
Dear Whitley family just heard about the passing of Randy. I am so saddened. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. He will truly be missed. May God be with you all.
Theresa Rathsack
April 30, 2020
Dear Whitley family just heard about the passing of Randy. I am so saddened. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. He will truly be missed. May God be with you all.
April 24, 2020
Mrs.whitley, so sorry to hear about Randy. Pat Mason.
Liz Petrella-McKellar
April 23, 2020
was so sad to hear about Randy. I have so many memories of the entire Whitley family having grown up with you on Hillgrove Court. So many long summer nights playing baseball in your side yard, sledding on the big snow pile in the center of the court and playing with Colonial Luke. It was a wonderful neighborhood to grow up in because of families like yours. I am very sorry for your loss and wish you healing days ahead with your memories helping you get through this difficult time. Loving thoughts to your entire family, Liz (Beth) Petrella-McKellar
Lori Tabor
April 23, 2020
Dear sweet Dorothy and family: Randy and I ran into each other a couple of years ago, and we gave each other the biggest bear hug ever! What a blessing it was to see him after all of the years. We caught up on the "good old days" where all of the neighborhood kids played baseball together and what fun it was to grow up back in the day. God bless you dear and love you all.
Cathy Shively (Petrella)
April 23, 2020
My deepest sympathy and prayers to his family. His smile would light up a room.
Joanne Dana
April 23, 2020
God bless Randy and this family. Know that he won't have to struggle any more and can rest in piece. May our lord comfort the Whitley family and help them through these difficult times.
Cindy Hadaway
April 23, 2020
My deepest sympathies to the Whitley family. Randy had a kind soul and a beautiful smile!!
Chuck and Barb Owen
April 23, 2020
So very sorry for your loss. The Whitley family was an amazing family. Prayers for peace and comfort.
Madhu Rishi
April 22, 2020
Rest In Peace dear Randy. I feel fortunate to be one of those who witnessed your ability to light up the room with your smile and personality . I will cherish memories of our long conversations. My deepest condolences to the Whitley family , Dorothy my friend many many hugs to you. Will be praying for all of you.
Don Huey
April 22, 2020
My deepest sympathy for Randy's family. His smile will be missed. He was a fine man.Rest in peace.
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