Paul “Scrappy” Whitley 85 of Coffey, MO passed away Tuesday, August 9th 2016 at his home. No services are planned. Cremation completed by McWilliams Funeral Home, Gallatin.
Paul was born October 14, 1930, the son of William and Elizabeth (Schmidt) Whitley in Patterson, New Jersey. He grew up and graduated from High School in Pittsburg, PA and later entered into the United States Marine Corp in 1954 serving his country for 2 years. After leaving the Military Paul began his working career at Equitable Gas Company in Pittsburg as a meter reader where he dedicated 30 years of service, retiring in 1993. Paul was united in marriage to Cordelia Hazlett February 5th 1987. The couple made their home in Washington, PA. Paul continued to work at Equitable, and also worked at Sears delivering appliances and furniture and at an auction company. He loved to stay busy and was somewhat of a workaholic.
Paul and Cordelia moved to Coffey, MO in 2000 to enjoy country living. The couple were world travelers visiting many foreign countries and enjoyed traveling the United States. After traveling all over the world Paul’s favorite place was the Grand Canyon. He acquired the nickname Scrappy due to his hobby of collecting aluminum, stainless steel, copper and brass. He was a recycler in every sense of the word and was at his best when he was collecting and sorting his treasures.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Leroy Whitley.
Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Cordelia of the home, daughters, Jill (Pat) Herrig of Dubuque, IA, Pam Neely of Nashville, TN, son, Richard Whitley of Claysville, PA, step-children, Tammy (Ashley) Deskins of Coffey, MO, Jamie (Gary) Cottrell of Claysville, PA, Colin Michael Detrick and Thomas (Casey) Detrick, both of Orlando, FL, 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Online condolences may be left at www.mcwilliamsfuneralhomes.com