Willie Duane Whitley, age 69, of Baxley, entered into eternal rest January 6, 2019.
He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 39 years, Margaret Crummey Whitley, along with R.J. and Piper. Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Annie Dyal Kenamer and Willie Austin Whitley along with niece, Kathryn Copeland Galen and nephew, Brandon Youmans. He is also survived by a brother, Dr. Garry (Teresa) Whitley of Dublin; a sister Freda Whitley of Savannah; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Doug and Betsy Harris of Baxley and Henry and Diane Crummey of Ellabell. Also surviving are nephews and nieces, Matthew Harris of Yulee, FL, Justin (Aimee) Harris of Birmingham, AL, Rachel Harris, Michael (Micah) Harris, Trey (Jerri) Crummey and Autumn Bellew all of Baxley and Christina Copeland of Savannah; great nieces and nephews Carter and Madilyn Sharpe, Caed, Vivian and Verity Harris; and a special caregiver, Betty Copeland.
As an Army grunt during the Vietnam conflict, Duane served the country he loved and displayed that devotion for the rest of his life, as demonstrated by his continual service to his community. He was a member, former deacon and teacher of the Toby Long Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church for many years. He served as Chairman of the Appling County Commission for 12 years, was a member of the Workforce Investment Board, BWI Board, AMI Board, was a Mason and Shriner. He learned the office equipment business as an employee of IBM which led to his Ownership of Independent Office Services of Glennville from 1981 to 2013.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at 3:00 pm at First Baptist Church, Baxley with Rev. Joe Ferguson officiating. Burial will follow at Satilla Baptist Church Cemetery in Appling County.
Visitation will begin 1-1/2 hours prior to the funeral hour at First Baptist Church.
Active pallbearers will be Matthew Harris, Justin Harris, Michael Harris, Trey Crummey, Charlie Stuckey, & Freddie Hutto.
The family will receive friends at the home located at 250 Weatherly Drive, Baxley.
Arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.