Obituary and funeral services: Steven Edward Whitley, 67, of Social Circle

Steven Edward Whitley, 67, of Social Circle, GA, passed away on December 7, 2017 at Emory Budd Terrace, Wesley Woods, Atlanta, GA.

He was born in Monroe, GA the son of the late Milton and Callie Whitley. Growing up with his brothers on the family farm in rural Walton County near Social Circle, his early live centered on outdoor farm work and activities including participating in the school FFA earning several State awards, participating as a letterman in school athletics and as a member of the local Boy Scout program where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Steven was a graduate of Social Circle High School; he earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Truett-McConnell College where he also played on the college basketball team; this was followed by a Bachelorâ??s degree in Education at Valdosta State University where he was a member of the collegiate baseball and tennis teams. To further his career qualifications, he returned to Valdosta State University to complete the master of Education and Education Specialist degrees.

Steven was a career educator. His education positions included teaching at Radium Springs Junior High in Albany, GA and the Pineland School in Moultrie, GA as well as Headmaster at Piedmont Academy in Monticello, GA and Headmaster at Nathaniel Greene Academy in Greensboro, GA. Returning home to Walton County, Steven served for over 25 years as Associate Headmaster and High School Principal of George Walton Academy in Monroe, GA. He truly loved his work. He was appreciative for the hard work and support of the dedicated staff and educators of George Walton and the loyal friends, supporters and board members of the Academy, but above all, he had a true, lasting love for his students; he was committed to their success, concerned that he had made correct decisions in their best interests and to the end though of them as his children.

Steven enjoyed traveling and physical fitness activities; he was an earnest High School and College sports fan. Attending and supporting George Walton Academy sporting events were always paramount to him.  He was a lifetime member of Monroe First Christian Church.

Steven is survived by his brothers and sisters in law, Colonel (Ret) Milton (Allen) and Gail Whitley, Jr. and Bruce A. and Kristal Whitley, all of Walton County and nephews, Milton A. (Tripp) Whitley, III of Atlanta, Captain Matthew D. Whitley serving with the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division and niece, Ashley Whitley and Scott Rawls of Matthews, NC.

Visitation for family and friends will be at Meadows Funeral Home in Monroe on Saturday, December 9th from 2-5 p.m. with a funeral service at the First Christian Church in Monroe, GA at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 10th. Burial will follow at the Social Circle City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the USO at www.uso.org/donate or to the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Hospital in Atlanta toward children’s cancer research. Checks may be mailed to Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, attention: Development Office 1762 Clifton Road, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30322 or visit winshipcancer.emory.edu.

Reposted courtesy of Meadows Funeral Home.