Terry James Whaley

Terry was born in Oil City, Pennsylvania, a son of Floyd and Helen (Long) Whaley.

Following his graduation from high school, Terry proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as an Air Traffic Controller. During his military career, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and Air Force Commendation Medal. Terry was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant on June 29, 1970.

Following his service to our country, Terry continued his

career in aviation, working for many years as an Air Traffic Controller. He later brought his experience and dedication to NASA, where he worked as a Senior Project Manager.

A licensed pilot, Terry had a lifelong passion for aviation and loved nothing more than taking to the skies. Some of his happiest times were spent flying with his wife and their beloved dog by his side.

Terry also had a great appreciation for Corvettes and was a devoted Corvette enthusiast, having proudly owned several over the years. He enjoyed traveling and seeking out new adventures, and he was rarely without one of his signature tropical shirts. Terry was also an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and enjoyed the music of Elvis Presley.

Above all, Terry treasured the people he loved and the many experiences they shared. His life was one of service, accomplishment, adventure, and a genuine enthusiasm for the things that brought him joy. From serving his country and guiding aircraft safely through the skies to his work with NASA and his own adventures as a pilot, Terry lived a life that was truly his own.

Terry leaves behind his wife, Cheryl Lynn (Howell) Whaley, whom he married on September 20, 2012; his stepson, Jamie (Mary) Gray of Town Creek, Alabama; his brother, Floyd “Ben” (Barbara) Whaley of Palm Coast; his sister, Kris Walter of Oil City, Pennsylvania; his foster brother Joe (April) Rupert of Oil City, Pennsylvania;

nieces, Deborah (Dennis) Casarcia of Palm Coast, and Shelly Reynolds of Oil City Pennsylvania; his nephew, Brian (Deborah) Whaley of Sims, North Carolina.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home, 511 Old Kings Road South, Flagler Beach, where a memorial service celebrating Terry’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Military Honors following the service.

Inurnment will take place in Terry’s hometown of Oil City, Pennsylvania.

Terry will be remembered as a proud Air Force veteran, an accomplished aviation professional, a pilot and adventurer, and a man who enjoyed life—from Corvettes and tropical shirts to Steelers football and Elvis. Those who knew and loved him will carry with them the memories of a life well lived and a man who was always happiest with another adventure on the horizon.

Condolences may be shared with the Whaley family by visiting the Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home website.