George Thomas Whitley, age 72, of Akron, Ala., formerly of Gordo, Ala., died February 10, 2017 surrounded by his family, to join his soul mate Patricia. He had deeply mourned her since her passing on February 12, 1999. How appropriate that he will be laid to rest on the 18th anniversary of her death.Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, February 12, 2017, at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Lindsey and Honorary minister, Rev. Tony Burns officiating. Burial will follow in Browns Chapel Cemetery in Gordo with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the funeral home. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Jane Reynolds Whitley, the love of his life; sister, Rose Mary Evans; brothers, Buddy Lewis Whitley, Walter "Tick" Whitley and Billy Ray Whitley; and sister-in-law, Diane Reynolds Pruitt.Survivors include his daughters, Paula Whitley Hamilton (Curtis) and Karen Whitley Nelms (Michael); son, Paul Whitley (Cynthia); sisters, Doris Nell Hallman and Elaine Whitson; sisters-in-law, Floyce Whitley, Judith Whitley, Kaye Humphryes, Teresa Kelly, Peggy Pearson and Barbara Cunningham; six grandchildren, Dillon Hamilton (Kayla), Cameron Whitley, Ashlyn Hamilton, Chloe Whitley, Austin Hill and Collin Whitley; great-grandchild, Brooks Dillon Hamilton; and a host of nieces and nephews.George was born January 14, 1945 in Gordo, Alabama to the late Theo Whitley and Louise Ligon Whitley. He was an honorable man that was loved by many and respected by all. He never failed to greet everyone with a smile or a joke. George served a long career working for the telephone company formerly known as Continental with many changes through the years to Verizon. He had a vast work family throughout the state of Alabama that he dearly loved. George took great pride in his work.He had an unending devotion to his family. After the passing of his wife he found comfort being near his children, grandchildren and great-grandson. He spent uncountable hours fishing with his family and any friends that wanted to join him. He was a skilled bass fisherman and kept his boat in the water, ready to go.He was a faithful member of Browns Chapel Church of God of Prophecy for many years. He loved the Lord, and he love people. He was a hard worker, devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He had far too many friends to list.Pallbearers will be Walter Whitley, William Whitley, Dillon Hamilton, Cameron Whitley, Don Curruth, Kendall Wheeler, Jimmy "Bo' Quimby and Berry McGee.Honorary pallbearers are special nurse, Kaycee Porter, Comfort Care Hospice of Demopolis, Amy Creel, Angela Lewis, Johnnie Mae Eaton, caregiver Joseph Thomas, Century Link employees, members of Browns Chapel Church of God of Prophecy and Carrollton First Baptist Church, Gordo High School Class of 1963, members of the Bostic community and friends from the Eutaw and Greensboro areas.Employees and co-workers from the Century Link family, in their honor, they will have reserved seating at his service.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Browns Chapel Church of God of Prophecy, P.O. Box 188, Gordo, AL 35466 or Comfort Care Hospice, 547 US Hwy 80 W, Demopolis, AL 36732.