Richard Charles Whaley

Richard “Rick” Whaley, 57, devoted husband, father and friend, passed away Wednesday, August 29 in Seminole, Florida. He passed suddenly and unexpectedly. He was born January 21, 1961 in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Corine and Larry Whaley. On July 16, 1983, he married his true love, Pam Ballenger. He and Pam welcomed the other love of his life, daughter, Sydney Whaley on December 5, 1999.

For the past 35 years Rick fought a courageous battle with polycystic kidney and liver disease. He fought hard to live and not just survive all those years, he did a great job of that. He never complained about the effects of his disease. Rick was one of a kind for sure and he was full of life! He lived for the moment and loved to have fun!!

He was kind hearted, strong-willed, and selfless! He had an unforgettable personality and an incomparable sense of humor. We all miss his unforgettable laugh!! Those who knew him, loved him. He always left a lasting impression on the many people he met throughout his life. Rick grew up in St. Louis. Before too long after marrying Pam, they moved to Columbus, Ohio for almost a year before returning to St. Louis where Sydney was born. In 2016, Rick, Pam and Sydney moved to Seminole , Florida bringing them close to the beach they loved so much! Two months later, Pam's mother, Elaine joined them in Seminole. Rick and Pam and then later Sydney too loved to travel. He enjoyed many trips within the US to see family and to explore new areas. He also was able to enjoy many times at the beach that he loved so much! He and Pam traveled to Cancun and Ixtapa, Mexico for their honeymoon. His favorite places to vacation usually included either close friends and family, a beach or the quintessential recipe for an adventure to remember or a combination of both! He and Pam (and when Sydney was born, she too) took several trips to the Caribbean – Jamaica twice, St. Thomas and St. John, There were trips to San Diego, which was Sydney’s first beach trip with mom and dad before she was born! We visited Long Beach, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Fort Lauderdale, Cape Cod/P Town. Over the years we also enjoyed some beaches on the lakes – Lake George in New York, Kentucky Lake with family, Table Rock, Lake Wappapello and Lake of the Ozarks and others in Missouri and Arkansas to name a few. Another favorite were the many family trips to Dauphin Island, AL. Rick and Pam went to Portugal and spent time in Lisbon and then joined Pam’s brother Jim and now sister-in-law Jacki to witness their wedding on the Algarve, the beaches in Portugal. Other favorite destination cities were San Francisco, New Orleans and Chicago, where Pam was born.

Another big part of Rick’s life was music! Music and going to concerts and music festivals created a soundtrack for Rick and Pam’s life beginning before they were married. He and Pam saw many live shows of bands they both loved including the early Lollapalooza shows, we saw The Grateful Dead with Jerry Garcia, favorites from the Grunge Era Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Nirvana and too many great shows with great memories to list. More recently, last year, we went to both Orlando and Phoenix shows of the Guns ‘n Roses Reunion, Not in This Lifetime Tour. Rick and Pam had much in common with music. Where their tastes varied…no problem…Rick had a fantastic time in Miami recently seeing Madonna with his “kindred spirit” and sister-in-law, Jacki Berry.

Ricked loved animals and one or two dogs at a time were always part of the family. Speaking of family, he was welcomed by all of Pam’s family and became a part of her family from the very beginning. In the early years after meeting Pam, as the baby of 5, he took joy in being the “favorite uncle.” Along with Pam as the “favorite aunt” together we stirred up his nieces and nephews and made them laugh, shared our joy and created a fun time for the kids…then handed them back to their own parents for any discipline or other non-fun responsibilities. When the time came for Pam and Rick to be parents…along came Sydney. Rick had no greater joy in his life than Sydney Dean Whaley!! On December 5th, 1999 at 10:53 a.m. his life changed forever!! Sydney was his greatest joy in life!! He enjoyed being a part of every aspect of her life from taking care of his newborn baby girl then to joking with the friends she has today. He loved her more than anything!!! Along the way, we gained another “family”, our “dojo family”, here in Seminole. Rick loved being the proud dad of an amazing rising star in karate. He enjoyed spending time with the group of people that have become a second family to the three of us.

Rick was a blessing to all who knew him. We were honored to have him in our lives. Words can’t express our sorrow at losing him, but we take comfort in knowing that he is at peace. We will try to focus on all the wonderful memories during the precious time we had with him.

Rick is survived by his wife of 35 years, Pam; daughter, Sydney Whaley and loving family and friends.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st Street, Seminole, FL 33776 / 727-391-0121.