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William Myers "Chief" Whatley, age 95, of Houston, passed away on October 11, 2021 in Kerrville Texas. He was born in Houston to W. Mills and Tommy Dell Whatley on August 28, 1926. He married the love of his life Rita H. Whatley in Houston on January 21, 1966. He listed his greatest blessings as his son Monty and his daughter Molly. His blessings would be furthered later with the birth of his grandchildren, Colten, Ellie, and Henry.
Bill's life was dedicated to public service and service to his Savior. He joined the Navy in the waning months of World War II. After the war, he pursued and obtained a degree from the University of Houston. During this time, he earned a commission as a pilot in the newly established United States Air Force. He served in the USAF, and later Air Force Reserves, and retired as a Colonel. After transitioning from active service to the reserves, Bill joined the Houston Fire Department. He rose to the rank of District Chief and retired after 34 years of decorated service. After his retirement, he worked part-time as a Deputy in Harris County Sheriff's Department.
Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rita, his parents, and his sister, Dolores.
Survivors include his son Monty and wife Julie Whatley of Frisco, CO, his daughter Molly and husband Luke Harper, of Kerrville, TX, his grandson Colten Harper of Nashville, TN, his granddaughter Ellie Harper of Kerrville, TX, and his grandson Henry Whatley of Frisco, CO.
Bill was a devoted husband and father. He was called Chief by his grandchildren and many of his friends and family. He had a gentle nature with a wry smile and he chuckled easily. He was never short of good stories and he often enjoyed a good joke. He demonstrated his dedication to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on a daily basis to friends and strangers alike. Bill and Rita were longtime members of Champion Forest Baptist Church and later Bill attended church at Kerrville Bible Church.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 2 at American Heritage Funeral Home followed by US Air Force and Houston Fire Fighter honors at Houston National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to any Christian charity of choice.
The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville and to Brenda of 220 Harper.
Bill's life was dedicated to public service and service to his Savior. He joined the Navy in the waning months of World War II. After the war, he pursued and obtained a degree from the University of Houston. During this time, he earned a commission as a pilot in the newly established United States Air Force. He served in the USAF, and later Air Force Reserves, and retired as a Colonel. After transitioning from active service to the reserves, Bill joined the Houston Fire Department. He rose to the rank of District Chief and retired after 34 years of decorated service. After his retirement, he worked part-time as a Deputy in Harris County Sheriff's Department.
Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rita, his parents, and his sister, Dolores.
Survivors include his son Monty and wife Julie Whatley of Frisco, CO, his daughter Molly and husband Luke Harper, of Kerrville, TX, his grandson Colten Harper of Nashville, TN, his granddaughter Ellie Harper of Kerrville, TX, and his grandson Henry Whatley of Frisco, CO.
Bill was a devoted husband and father. He was called Chief by his grandchildren and many of his friends and family. He had a gentle nature with a wry smile and he chuckled easily. He was never short of good stories and he often enjoyed a good joke. He demonstrated his dedication to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on a daily basis to friends and strangers alike. Bill and Rita were longtime members of Champion Forest Baptist Church and later Bill attended church at Kerrville Bible Church.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 2 at American Heritage Funeral Home followed by US Air Force and Houston Fire Fighter honors at Houston National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to any Christian charity of choice.
The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville and to Brenda of 220 Harper.