Rayford Edsel Whatley, age 91, of Lucedale passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026 at George Regional Hospital after a brief illness. Rayford was born on February 21, 1935, to Ora Mason Whatley and Ruben Marlow Whatley of Lucedale, MS. He was a member of Pineview Missionary Baptist Church, Lucedale, MS.

Rayford graduated from Rocky Creek High school with the class of 1953. He also attended college at Mississippi Gulf Coast, Perkingston, MS and Faulkner State College, Bay Minette, AL. He joined the United States Army where he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He gained lifelong memories from his tour in Japan and could vividly recall details regarding his time spent there. After leaving the Army, he returned home and was employed by Scott Paper Company, Mobile, AL. He would remain at Scott Paper for his entire career, spanning almost forty years until his retirement. In his younger years, Ray enjoyed quail hunting and freshwater fishing with friends and family. Later in life, he developed a passion for golfing.

Golf would become his favorite pastime during his retirement years. He loved spending daily rounds with all of his usual golfing buddies at the Lucedale Country Club. He developed valued friendships through the countless hours he spent with his friends at the Club. He remained an avid golfer until the Lucedale course closed years ago.

On November 1, 1957, he married Carolyn Vondene Anderson and together they built a family with four children, Dennis, Sandra, Dale, and Danny. Their marriage spanned almost 68 years until Vondene's passing in September 2025.

He is survived by one daughter, Sandra Whatley Mallette; three sons: Dennis and Gloria Whatley, Dale and Dana Whatley, and Danny and Lisa Whatley; ten grandchildren: Rendi Murphree (Todd), Scott Murphree, Jason Davis, Daniel Pipkins, Amanda Johnson (Cameron), Tyler Whatley (Christine), Dallas Whatley, Chason Whatley (Erica), Carson Whatley (Megan), Cooper Whatley (Jillian); four great grandchildren: Banks, Brigston, Baker, and Nolan; brother and sister-in-law Bill and Margaret Whatley.

He was preceded in death by wife, Carolyn Vondene Whatley; daughter-in-law, Delores "Missy" Whatley; parents, Ora and Marlow Whatley; sister and brother-in-law, Audrey and Herbert Eubanks; parents-in-law, Cecil and Lucille Anderson; brother-in-law, James C. Anderson and sister-in-law, Patsy A. Gibson and her husband, Paul Gibson.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the entire medical and nursing staff at George Regional Hospital for their excellent, compassionate care. The kindness shown to Ray and his family was remarkable and will never be forgotten.

The family will host a visitation on Friday, August 21, 2026 from 3pm-4pm in the Chapel of Sigler's Funeral Home, 4248 Main Street, Lucedale, MS. A private memorial will be held at a later date.