Mr. Whatley was a fixture both at the school and in the community.   My sympathy to his family and I extend my hope that they are sustained by joyous memories.

Mr. Whatley was one of my favorite teachers. He showed compassion to all students, and loved to share knowledge with us, in every opportunity. As a coach and as a teacher, he encouraged us to give our very best, at whatever we did. 
Once I became an adult, my respect for him increased even more. He and Mrs. Whatley, each hold a special place in my heart, for the positive impact they made in my life.

Praying for you, Joyce and Morgan. as you go through this process.   May you draw strength and comfort in knowing that you are  in our thoughts and prayers, but most of all in knowing that Don is in the presence of 
the  Lord and that you will be with him again and forever! 🙏 
Nelda Sewell

God’s Blessings and Condolences 🙏🏼❤️❤️❤️

Joyce, thinking of you and your family at this time with love and prayers.  When I started teaching with you in 1975 and met Don, I knew you were a special couple.  I cherish many memories.
Sharon Brown

My heart breaks for you and the family. He was focused on all the things he loved. Prayers for comfort in all the memories you shared  will bring.  He will be sorely missed but not forgotten.

So many wonderful memories in Mr Whatley’s class!  When he and Mrs Whatley were expecting Morgan, I was in the 8th grade and we gave him a baby shower during class!  Sally Whitaker Garza and I would work after school for him!  He always had jobs in the summer for boys hauling hay  or whatever!  I talked to him several months ago at a funeral!  He was a great teacher, friend and coach

One of Grand Saline's iconic coach/teachers. He made physical science fun and interesting.

I still remember watching him show his gym class how he could fast pitch (underhanded) a softball against the interior brick wall of the Old Gym. That ball would literally flatten out when it hit those red bricks. He had to have been able to underhand an honest to goodness 60-70 mph pitch.

He also had a similar impressive power when one of us boys earned licks. 1 round of Coach's oak paddle, and your behavior almost always improved!

And that old brown Chevy truck, with those forever mounted hay-hauling boards on the bedsides. It was as iconic as Coach was.

Rest in God's peace Coach, we will see you when we get there.

So sorry for your loss. Don and I had lots of fun teaching at GS Middle School. He was usually quiet but loved to tease me about mowing our huge yard. He was a great example for our students. 

Harry and Emile Clifford

Always loved him and Mrs.
Whatley. Had some great times in his class and on the bus to games. He was always working hauling hay or splitting firewood.  Sending prayers for his family, friends and nighbors.

Mr.Don Whatley meant so much to the entire Buck Odom family, We have many many memories with him and of him while growing up in the hay fields ... 
He was always a hard working true man of God who loved everyone,  
I know he is in Glory now...Rest in Peace
Love Always,
Beth "Holloway " Pierce

I was blessed to know and work with Don and his wife, Joyce.  Sending prayers for comfort to the familt.

Mr Whatley made me enjoy physical Science.  He was a fabulous teacher and a great friend later on.

Praying for his family.

Great neighbors when I lived next door to them. I will never forget how hard of a worker Mr Whatley was. Whether hauling hay or chopping firewood, I was always impressed by his work ethic. Rest in peace and may God bless his family.

Mr. Whatley always knew how to push us when we needed it in school. Rather it was in class or sports. He would always sing Elvira by the Oakridge Boys on the bus going to the games. Great memories in the old gym and running the hill by the old gym. He would wear us out, but we became some of the best athletes.  He never gave up on us or anyone else.  May you rest in peace.  Til we meet again.

I moved to town later than some and missed having Mr. Whatley in class but had his sweet wife. I am thankful to have worshipped with the family often and especially thankful to have been neighbors for 30 years. Until I moved a couple of years ago, Mr. Whatley brought me my favorite veggies from his garden every year. It was his sweet way of checking on me. It meant more than he probably ever knew. Praying for Joyce and Morgan and all those who loved Mr. Whatley.
Tara Erwin

So sorry to hear of his passing, prayers to his family

Eric and I were just talking about him the other day! He always had encouraging words for me during school! Great man!

Larry and I were sorry to hear about the passing of Don.  We wish Joyce to be comforted by God and love from her family and friends.
Love, Rita-Ann

OBITUARY

Foy Don Whatley

July 8, 1943 – January 22, 2026

Eubank Funeral Home & Haven of Memories Memorial Park

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