04/03/08 - NNHS Newsletter - Taz Whitley

Tazewell Eley Whitley, Sr.
(26 July 1920 - 01 Apr 2008)

Newport News High School Class of February 1939

NEWPORT NEWS - Taz Whitley passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully in his sleep Tuesday morning, April 1, 2008, at age 87.

Taz was born July 26, 1920, in Isle of Wight County and was raised in Newport News since the age of 6, graduated from Newport News High School in February 1939, and brought his family back to the Peninsula in 1954. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Taz Whitley

Taz spent a career in the U.S. Navy, retiring after 30 years as Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman. He served his country with honor during World War II, Korean War and Vietnam. During this time he served at the Naval Training Center, Norfolk, Va., Hospital Corps School, Portsmouth, Va., Naval Hospital, Washington, D.C.; Naval Hospital, Pearl Harbor; Separation Center, Bainbridge, Md.; Naval Ammunition Depot, St. Julien's Creek, Portsmouth, Va.; Advanced Hospital Corps School, Portsmouth, Va., Naval Hospital, Great Lakes, Ill., Naval Reserve Training Center, Muncie, Ind., Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown, Va. He has also served aboard the USS PLATTE, USS WHITESIDE, USS SIERRA, USS NEWPORT NEWS, USS NORTHHAMPTON, and the USS FREMONT.

He was a member of the First United Church of Christ, Hampton, Bremond Masonic Lodge No. 241 and a Past Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Emera Chapter. In 1983, he served as Trustee and Building Chairman for the lodge to be constructed at its present location on Warwick Blvd.

Taz is survived by his wife of more than 62 years, Velma Louise Sanders Whitley; four children, Sue Bommer of Hampton, Tazewell Eley Whitley Jr. and his wife, Rebecca Leigh, of Chester, Clarence Edward and his wife, Jo, of Newport News, and Judy Whitley Ganzert and her husband, Don, of Richmond; as well as six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and one brother, Robert Joseph Whitley and his wife, Jo, of Williamsburg.

Full Masonic rites will be performed at Peninsula Funeral Home Thursday, April 3, at 6 p.m. followed by a visitation with the family until 7:30 p.m.

A graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday afternoon, April 4, at Peninsula Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at The Hidenwood, 50 Wellesley Drive, immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to the charity of your choice.

Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Published in the Daily Press on 4/3/2008.
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