SSG David C. Wherley

Wherley FAYETTEVILLE, NC Staff Sergeant David C. Wherley, 40, died at his residence on Thursday, January 31, 2013. A Memorial Mass will be held 10 a.m. on Saturday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 315 N. Constitution Ave., New Freedom, with Rev. Fr. Sylvan Capitani and Deacon Michael Bahn officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. There will be no viewing. The Geiple Funeral Home, Inc., 53 Main St., Glen Rock, is assisting with the arrangements. David was born December 29, 1972 in Lowndes, Ga., a son of the late Retired General David F. and Ann (Strine) Wherley. He served as a Golden Knight on the U.S. Army Parachute Team as a Gold Team Demonstrator, free fall videographer, tandem coordinator and media coordinator. Wherley made over 7,500 parachute jumps, while serving over twelve years. Staff Sergeant Wherley's, awards and decorations include the, Army Commendation Medals (2), Army Achievement Medals (3), Army Superior Unit Awards (3), Army Good Conduct Medals (4), National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert Infantry Badge, Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Wherley Regan, niece, Evann Regan, and nephew, David Regan, all of Charlotte, N.C.; grandfather, Harold "Chap" Strine of McSherrystown; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made by mail to Operation Homefront - Carolinas, 4728 Park Rd., Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28209 or by email to www.operationhomefront.net/carolinas/donate.aspx