Donald Allen Whitley

Donald Allen Whitley Sr., 79, of Smith Mountain Lake, VA, went to be with The Lord Saturday, May 13, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.Don was born October 12, 1943 to Waverly and Elizabeth Whitley in Newport News, VA. A graduate of Warwick High School-1961, he attended Old Dominion University and proudly served in the United States Air Force. Don retired from the insurance industry after 21 years.He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, gardening and bird watching.He was an active member of Franklin Heights Church and served as a Gideon in Franklin County, VA.He was preceded in death by his parents, Waverly and Elizabeth Whitley; his daughter, Shannon Abreu; and his son, Donald Whitley Jr.He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Owens Whitley; granddaughter, Rachel Bays & husband Allen; grandson, Brandon Abreu; granddaughter, Lauren Tarkenton & husband James; and great-grandchildren, Braden, Jimmy and Lily.A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at Peninsula Memorial Park (Newport News), 1:00 p.m. Monday, May 22, 2023. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Franklin County Gideons, P.O. Box 915, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount/Smith Mountain Lake.