J.P. Whitley, Jr. Obituary (1935 - 2021)

James Paul "J.P." Whitley, Jr. age 85, of Conyers, died January 14, 2021. He was born in Walnut Grove to James Paul Whitley, Sr. and Annie Viola Stowe Whitley and graduated from Social Circle High School. J.P. served his country honorably in the United States Air Force where he received training as a jet aircraft mechanic and after his discharge he went to work for Delta Air Lines as a mechanic, lead mechanic and annalist for over 31 years. He enjoyed gardening, watching GA Tech football, and doing repairs around the house. J.P. accepted Christ as his savior at the age of 12, and was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church, where he was actively involved since 1973, as a Sunday School Teacher for many years, a song leader for the choir and congregation, and fellowshipping with other believers (especially if food was involved)! He loved to read his Bible and would read through it every year. For 20 years J.P volunteered his time every Friday evening to the Atlanta Union Mission and for the last 3 or 4 years to the Source of Light in Madison for 3 days a week. His daughter, Neysa, said one of her favorite memories of her father was going with him to downtown Conyers on Saturday mornings, where he would buy each of them an ice cream and Neysa was notorious for knocking her ice cream off the cone, and her father would always share his with her. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Ann Whitley of Conyers; daughter, Neysa Whitley, of Conyers; sister, Betty A. Barnes and her husband, Nathan, of Conyers; brother, Gene Whitley and his wife, Brenda, of Walnut Grove; nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held 2 o'clock, Saturday, January 16, at Philadelphia Baptist Church, Rutledge with Pastor Steven Chambers officiating. Interment will follow at Lawnwood Memorial Park, Covington. The family will receive friends 1-2 pm prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Philadelphia Baptist Church Missionary Fund. Due to the Covid pandemic, we are asking for everyone to wear masks and practice social distancing. (No hugging or handshakes, please.) If you are not able to attend the funeral service because of the Covid pandemic, Ann and Neysa said they truly understand.