Ronald Edward Whatley

Born April 9, 1948, in Fort Worth, Ed lived a full and generous life in Fort Worth, Crowley, and Weatherford. A proud veteran, Ed served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force from April 1968 to April 1972. It was during his time in the Air Force that he met the love of his life, Cornelia Ann Gross, who was also serving her country. Their shared commitment to service laid the foundation for a beautiful life built on love, partnership, and faith.

After his military service, Ed followed his calling to care for others. He graduated from Tarrant County College in 1976 with a degree in nursing and dedicated his career to surgical nursing—working at Harris Methodist Hospital, Fort Worth Osteopathic Hospital, and later as a traveling nurse. When his first grandson was born, his wife lovingly told him, “If you keep traveling, you’re going without me,” and Ed joyfully chose to stay home. He completed his career at North Hills Hospital, retiring in 2014.

Ed was a gifted musician who loved playing guitar and banjo, and he found the most joy singing with his wife and kids in their music ministry, performing at churches and nursing homes. He loved the outdoors—fishing, hunting, camping, kayaking, canoeing, and rock climbing—and he especially loved doing these things with family and friends.

He and Cornelia were true partners in everything. Together, they poured their hearts into their children's band boosters—driving buses, hauling equipment, running concession stands, and becoming the cherished “band nurses.” They also faithfully served their church community as camp counselors, bus drivers, worship leaders, cooks, and lifeguards—sharing God’s love and truth with countless young lives over the years.

Ed’s faith was the foundation of his life. He lived out the words of Joshua 24:15: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

He is survived by his loving wife, Cornelia Ann Whatley; daughter Kimberly Dawn Culpen; son Nathan Edward Whatley; bonus son Conrad Almance; brother Raymond Donald Whatley; and grandsons Justin Ryan Culpen, and wife Phoenix; and Zachary Erik Culpen. He also leaves behind many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Oral Whatley and Elenora Whatley, and his brother Noel Lynn Whatley.

---

Visitation

Tuesday, July 22nd, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home

4216 S. Bowen Rd., Arlington, TX 76016

Funeral Service

Wednesday, July 23rd, 10:30 a.m.

Same location

Procession to DFW National Cemetery will follow (departing at 12:15 p.m.)

A committal service will occur Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211.