George Wendell Whaley was born in Morocco, Indiana on December 2, 1940 to Vernon C. (deceased) and V. Pauline (Armold) Whaley (deceased). He went to be with the Lord on September 21, 2022 at the age of 81.
He grew up in rural Iroquois County, Illinois and Newton County, Indiana. He graduated from Brook High School in Brook, Indiana in 1958 and spent his early working days learning computer programming and working at Merchants Bank in Indianapolis. After several years with Merchants Bank he decided to get back to his rural roots and went into the grain business as part owner and operating manager with Golden Rule Grain in Morocco, Indiana. He did this for several years and would eventually return to Merchants Bank (later National City Bank) back in Indianapolis. He retired from the bank, that had changed names to PNC, Bank in 2000. During his time working at the bank, he worked with computers and was involved in the early days of ATM management. He was blessed with the opportunity to work in Seoul, South Korea and learned to appreciate well-cooked rice and fine silk ties. He retired in 2001 and moved to Florida. While living in Rotonda West, he worked at the toll bridge early on and enjoyed his time sitting by the pool, basking in the Florida sun, and walking on the sandy beach. His final days he spent close to his son in Cape Coral, FL.
Wendell was a devout Christian who was a member of Donovan Christian Church (Donovan, IL), Brook Christian Church (Brook, IN), White River Christian Church (Noblesville, IN), Refuge Christian Church (Noblesville, IN), Englewood Christian Church (Englewood, FL), Fellowship Church (Englewood, FL), and New Day Christian Church (Port Charlotte, Florida).
Wendell enjoyed spending time with family, financial analysis, watching basketball, auto racing, coin-collecting, reading the paper, drinking his coffee, and searching for the next car deal for his grandchildren. He provided life and financial advice to many and could be counted on to tell you if you were getting a good deal. Reading the daily news was a must before he could start his day. From his knowledge of tractors and tools to his passion for making every dollar count, he will be remembered for his thriftiness, frugality and integrity. And, most importantly he had an unwavering love for his family and friends.
Wendell is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jo Ellen (Woods) Whaley. They were married on February 18, 1961. He is also survived by 2 children, Brian (Nita) Whaley and Lana (Steven) Zook; 5 grandchildren, Ashley (Eric) Stephens, Kayla (Jacob) Green, Aron Whaley, Logan (Sara) Zook, and Breanna Zook; 2 great-grandchildren, Lincoln Stephens, and Eliza Stephens; 2 brothers, Howard (Jean) Whaley, and Lester (Barbara) Whaley.
There will be a Celebration of Life gathering at 12:00 pm followed by a 1:00 pm service on Monday, September 26, 2022 at Coral Ridge Funeral Home located at 950 Chiquita Blvd South, Cape Coral, FL 33991. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to New Day Christian Church located at 20212 Peachland Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL 33954.
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