Bill Whitley

William Hines Whitley would tell everyone that he was a blessed man. He lived his dream. He was a satisfied man. Each day of his life he thanked God for his wife, his two sons and for Melissa and his grandsons. Bill left this world behind on September 11, 2024, with a smile on his face as he lifted his gaze toward heaven. Bill was diagnosed with cancer this summer and was cared for at home by his wife Joann and two devoted sons. Bill had asked Jesus to be his Savior in his college days, and knew in his heart that he would be seeing Jesus face to face very soon. He trusted in that relationship to carry him through each day. Bill was born on December 14, 1949 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Bob and Mary Whitley. He attended Nathan Hale High School. After graduation, he attended Oklahoma State University, but got his degree at Tulsa Community College prior to pursuing a career in aviation. Bill is survived by his loving wife Joann, his oldest son Jake and wife Melissa, his three grandsons: Denver, Wilson, and Hines, and his youngest son Scott. Bill also left behind his sister Jan Whitley of Tulsa and a half-brother Archie Hyde and wife Dixie of Savannah, Georgia, extended relatives and friends. Bill's love of flying was his lifelong pursuit, which led him first to Tulsair Beechcraft. After he achieved his private pilot's license, he began flying for multiple corporations, among which were Nordam and Parker Drilling. Bill and Joann met on a blind date while they were both working in different areas for Parker Drilling. They married two years later and were eventually proud parents of two boys: Jake and Scott. A few years later, Bill sought a more standardized schedule and started working for United Airlines. Anyone knowing Bill first recognized his love of family and the outdoors. He was the happiest being outdoors with God's creation. He was an enthusiast of hunting, fishing, and God's beautiful world. Bill hunted for the joy of providing pheasant, quail, and crappie for his dinner table and others. Bill was a handyman with skills in carpentry, once building an elevated wooden fort for their backyard when the kids were young, and several other things over the years. He was also an artist in various mediums. But, to his family's delight, Bill was an accomplished chef, blending seasonings to a delectable degree. Joann and Bill together enjoyed baseball, watching the St. Louis Cardinals. Their family vacations were often spent in Colorado, enjoying the serene lakes and countryside. Bill was a patriot that loved this country, and honored veterans to the ultimate. Bill served on the security team at Southern Hills Baptist Church where he conscientiously evaluated potential issues and dangers. He loved the men's fellowship at the church, attending many of the men's events around the state. Bill was a passionate believer in Jesus and in His Word. He witnessed faithfully throughout the years. Bill's greatest joy was when Melissa joined the family and made his life complete with his three grandsons: Denver, Wilson and Hines, to add to his collection of treasures. A Celebration of Life will be held 11AM, Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Southern Hills Baptist Church, Tulsa, OK. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233

Bill Whitley

December 14, 1949 - September 11, 2024