Ernest A. Whaley

Ernest Alfred Whaley, nicknamed Ernie and later AL, was born in Wisconsin on January 27, 1932 and died at age 93 in Greenville, SC on February 1st, 2025. 

He moved from Wisconsin at age 5 to Flint, Michigan where he grew up; later attended BJU for Bible/Theology with his high school Buddy Bruce Anderson and in his 2nd year he met Peggy Stephens. They married in his 3rd year at the University in 1955. After Peggy’s Dad passed away suddenly, the family moved to Greenville, Michigan for 2yrs where his youngest daughter of five was born. 

From there they bought a house in Clarklake, MI where Al worked at Arrowquip. Later moving to Oakland County, Michigan with his wife; where his 5 daughters grew up. In Pontiac (Al managed Crown Motel for Peggy’s brother Herb), then moved to Troy, MI and then Rochester, MI where he worked in Sales/marketing and with the youth at Five Points Community church. 

AL (Ernie) was a son, brother, husband, dad and friend, but most importantly he was God’s child, and being a Christian, reading the Bible, memorizing verses and sharing his thoughts in deep discussion was his passion and highlight of his life. His many interest and work included: writing books on theology (God’s Logic vs Man’s Logic); electric work he learned from his Dad who was an electrician; marketing & Sales: Bible on record and Amway; carpentry (building decks/sheds) and he went paralegal school in Florida and often helped people in need of legal advice for free: (They never lost a case.) 

He was always helping the poor and elderly with food and house repairs or personal care. As his custom he never stayed in any one place very long.He moved from Michigan to FL to be near Jean (back to the Upper Peninsula of MI when Jean was out on of the country) and then lastly settled in SC. As was his way, he always lived in many places and finally settling with his friends Bryan and Dan until his medical set backs necessitated him moving in with his daughter Jean where he was lovingly cared for until he passed.

The day he died Jean was at his bedside and Dawn on the phone in his room. He was preceded in death by his divorced wife Lauralinepegsarahanne (Peg Stephens) Whaley (divorced in 1986); his parents: Harvey Whaley and Doris Amanda (Nordling) Whaley; his 3year old sister, Jean Whaley; his older sister Judy (Dyer) Whaley (RN) and his friend Henry Burrow and dear friend Dan Tobias and other dear friends.He is survived by:his brother John Chalmer Whaley (wife Jenny); 

Five Daughters: 1.) Jean Noffke R.N. (her children’s Dad, Dennis)and her their sons (David; Daniel) whom Al watched grow up in Florida.2.) Rhonda Wilkinson (Tim H.)/ (the late David Wilkinson: Father of their 3 children).3.) Denise Cleveland (Paco); their 3 children.4.) Karen Shackelford (Michael); their two children.5.) Dawn Lindsay; their 4 children. 

These gave a total of 19 grandchildren; and Al had 4 nieces: Rebecca L. Kapaldo, Charissa A. Kendler (Ady) and Ruth Ann Tetz (Leland)and Susan Whaley; one nephew: John Jr. Whaley. Al leaves behind some dear friends he made in his last years: Kathy Burrow & family; Bryan C.; John H. ; Paul H.; Don C.; Basel M. and many others in FL and upper peninsula and lower of MI. and SC. He enjoyed learning at a Messanic Synagogue in SC; talking Biblical issues after their Friday night dinners. 

A remembrance time will be held at Adon Olam Messianic Congregation 35 Cessna Ct. Greenville SC 29607 after their Friday night service at the dinner time on February 21st., 2025. Feel free to attend Adon Olam’s service at 7:30pm and stay for the meal and remembrance. http://www.adonolam.org

Donations on Al’s behalf can be given to Adon Olam. Later this year we will be having a private service in Waterford, Michigan at the family plot in loving memory for family and friends .