John "Ed" Whatley of Opelika, Alabama was born to the late Mary and Preston Whatley in Opelika on September 14, 1937 and passed away at his home surrounded by family on September 5, 2018. He was 80 years old. He was a proud member of Watoola United Methodist Church. Mr. Whatley was a refined proper gentleman who loved to play the violin and further his education. Mr. Whatley was proud of the fact that he served in the United States Navy. He was a electronics technician aboard the Carrier Ticonderoga. He was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Elizabeth Whatley Talton. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty Jean Whatley; daughter, Rebecca Jean Whatley Rice (John); grandson, Joshua Harold Perkins; sister, Sara Angeline Whatley Pope (Jack), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members Visitation will be held in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 8, 2018. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2018 in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home at 12:00 p.m. with Reverend Gary Perry Officiating. Interment will follow at the Holt Family Cemetery in Society Hill. Visitation will be held in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 8, 2018.