Thomas Mitchell Whitley Sr

The family of Thomas Mitchell “Mickey” Whitley, Sr. announces with profound sorrow his unexpected passing on July 4, 2025. Born in Alma, GA on November 22,1947, Mickey called Middleburg home for many years. There, he shared a life with his loving wife of nearly 34 years, Vickie, finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.

A man who truly knew no strangers, Mickey had a rare gift of building community wherever he found himself. He had a passion for motorsports and was a fixture at Jax Raceway throughout the 1960s and 70s - driving, building cars, and mentoring others. In 2021, he was inducted into the Jacksonville Motorsports Hall of Fame for his contribution to the sport he loved and helped grow decades ago.

Mickey was also a lover of nature, having spent much of his life in the woods or on the water. He saw the outdoors as his personal sanctuary, choosing to commune with God through His gift of nature. Having traded his racecar for a tractor, Mickey was most happy when he was outside working in the yard, tending to his garden, taking one of his many grandchildren or great grandchildren on tractor rides, or just walking with his dog. If you visited his home, you undoubtedly left with something from his garden, a tour of his latest outdoor project, and a heart full of admiration for a man so genuine and welcoming to everyone.

As a father, a loyal friend, a devoted brother and family man, Mickey touched so many lives with his sense of humor, warmth, curiosity, and thirst for knowledge. His work ethic and eagerness to teach, led him to create foundations upon which many around him were able to thrive. His uncanny ability to master any skill, work any tool, solve any problem, and understand even the most complex designs made Mickey an icon in his industry and a role model for those who would follow in his steps. He was a hardworking man every day of his life, having been a key part of two family businesses, Whitley Steel and Willow Fabrications.

Perhaps his greatest legacy will be his love for his family. A father of nine, grandfather of 18, and great grandfather of 20, Mickey’s pride in his family was evident every time he spoke of them. To anyone who would listen, he proudly shared how large his family was without forgetting a single one. Holidays with Santa, egg hunts, and camp outs with his family were among his most treasured memories, but every moment spent with his loved ones was a moment well spent.

Preceded in death by his parents, Idell and Peyton Whitley and his brothers, james and Tony, Mickey is survived by his wife and best friend, Vickie, his 9 children: Thomas (Tina), Frank (Paula), John (Carmen), Debiie (Larry), Barry (Michelle), Leann (Eric), Claire, Lisa (Craig) and Becky (Nate), 18 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, his brother, John and sister, Pam and many nieces, nephews and honorary family and friends who will all forever cherish his memory.

Funeral Services will be held 11 AM, Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Hardage-Giddens Holly Hill Funeral Home, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, FL with visitation held 1 hour prior to service. Burial will follow in Holly Hill Memorial Park. Please post words of comfort at www.hollyhillfunerals.com.