Ret Major William Joseph Whalen Sr.

Retired Major William Joseph Whalen, Sr. was born on April 17, 1945, in Bronx, New York to Joseph Whalen and Anna T Schloemer Whalen. He passed away on February 7, 2026, at the age of 80. Mr. Whalen met and married the love of his life, Townley Creighton Whalen. On March 19, 1974 their daughter Anne Marie Whalen was born. On November 4, 1977 they welcomed their son Joey Whalen.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 54 years, Townley Whalen of Huntsville, AL, daughter Anne Whalen of Huntsville, AL, son Joey Whalen of Sparks, NV, granddaughter Eva Marie Whalen and grandson Gael Creighton Whalen also of Sparks, NV, cousins Chris and Bonnie David of Graeagle, CA and sister-in-laws Teensy Weldon and Edith Harmon of Knoxville, TN.

Bill earned his bachelor's degree as an English Major. He was a 20 year veteran of the United States Army as a Nuclear Weapons Officer. He earned numerous achievement awards and medals including the Army Commendation Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defence Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He also attended the Geneva-Hague Convention. After his military career, he worked for ARI, Boeing and MDA where he additionally received numerous achievement awards. Bill was a devout member of Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church where he volunteered in several roles - a confirmation teacher, Men's Club, SVdP Office office coordinator, member of the Parish Council, communion minister, member of the choir, and the social committee. Bill also belonged to The Knights of Columbus.

A visitation will be held at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, located at 2421 Shady Ln Dr NW, Huntsville, AL, 35810, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00pm. A Funeral Mass will begin at 12:00 pm. Mr. Whalen will be laid to rest at Valhalla Memory Gardens, 698 Winchester Road NE, Huntsville, AL immediately following services. Pallbearers will be Joey Whalen, Henry Lessane, Kyle Lorensen, Frank Powers, Tony Simmons, and Justin Thompson.