Alec Tyrrell Whitley, our Terry, passed away Sunday, May 15, 2022 at Green Acres Assisted Living Facility in Wayland, MI following a long, but courageous struggle with cancer. Terry was born October 4, 1941 in Frankfort, MI to Helen Tyrrell Whitley and Dr. Alec Whitley and was raised in St. Clair Shores, MI. He lived 80 years of a life which he described as the best possible one God could have given him. We like to think that Terry has received a call, a sort of offer one can’t refuse, with a huge sign-on bonus and a reunion of family and friends he has not seen in a long time! God is good, all the time!
Terry attended Culver Military Academy, Olivet College, and Grand Valley State University, all preparing him for his 26 year career in law enforcement with the Michigan State Police and then independent private investigation, both of which he loved. He served in the US Army from 1967-1969. He met Nancy Lynne Reed in Washington, DC, in 1968 where he was based at Fort Meade, MD. They married January 25, 1969 and made their home in Monroe, MI and then Wayland, MI were where they raised their two sons, John and Aaron.
Family, work, and service to others were the focus of Terry’s life. His boys were his pride and joy. He coached their Little League teams, supported their many sports and school activities, and left them with the knowledge that humility and kindness to everyone was the basis for a successful man and father. Terry was a founding member of the Wayland Kiwanis, delivered meals for Meals on Wheels in Lee County, FL, and drove for Patient Transport of Barry County. He was an active member of the United Church of Wayland, joining in their community service programs and providing leadership. He volunteered for Wings of Hope Hospice and Hospice of Greater Grand Rapids.
After retirement Terry and Nancy discovered a love of traveling by motorhome and took up residence in it for five years when they traveled throughout the US and Canada. Their motto was, “each day is a new adventure,” regardless if good or bad. During that time, they helped build many homes for Habitat for Humanity through the RV Care-A-Vanners Program, where they built lifelong friendships and learned the value of giving a hand up!
Terry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy; son, John (Karilynn) Whitley and grandchildren Cory (Megan) Short, Andrew (Brenna) Whitley, Noah Ellis, Autumn Whitley, Mary Whitley, Sydney Ellis, Nathan Whitley, Jonah Ellis, and Julius Whitley; son, Aaron (Michele) Whitley, grandchildren Auston Whitley and Madalyn Whitley, and great-grandchild, Bowen Alec Short; sister, Mary Lynne Holder; along with many treasured nieces and nephews. Two special dogs, Harley and Lexi, gave him much pleasure.
Terry had wonderful care and caring from Spectrum Butterworth Hospital, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Thornapple Manor Rehab Unit and Green Acres Assisted Living Wayland.
All are invited to a Celebration of Terry’s Life 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at the United Church of Wayland, 411 E. Superior Street, Wayland, MI. Please join the family for a luncheon following the service. You are welcome to remember Terry with donations to the United Church of Wayland or Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guestbook online at www.kubiakcookdorr.com.
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