Carman Rex Whaley Obituary (1946 - 2021)

Carman “Rex” Whaley, 75, of Greeneville passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marcia Roberts Whaley, daughter, Lora Eubank (Sam) of Rock Taven, NY, daughter, Carmen McIntosh (Brian) of Knoxville TN, and his four cherished grandsons, Charlie Eubank, Jack Eubank, Clay Gamble, Chandler Gamble, and step grandchildren, Gracie McIntosh, Anna McIntosh, and Jack McIntosh all of Knoxville. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Ledford (Delmus), sister Mary Ruth Lambrecht, all of Knoxville, Clara Whaley (Wendall) of Cleveland, TN, brother, Roy C. Whaley, Jr. (Mary Alice) of Bristow, VA, and Ron Whaley (Virginia) of Hickory, NC. Other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews who were very special to him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy C. Whaley and Zelma Huskey Whaley. Rex was born on March 30, 1946 in Pittman Center, TN. He attended Burnet Memorial United Methodist and Pittman Center Elementary School. He graduated high school at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School in 1964, where he was a standout on the boys’ basketball team. His live for the game continued into his college career at Hiwassee College 1964-1965 and Tennessee Wesleyan University 1965-1968. He continued to be a very valuable player as his team at TWU (TWC at the time) made it to the NAIA semifinals in the National Tournament in Kansas City. This team was inducted into TWU men’s basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. He entered into the field of education in 1968 at his Alma Mater, Gatlinburg Pittman High School where he was head coach of the girls’ basketball team from 1968-1971. Rex took a career path change in 1971 and moved to Manassas, VA to become a State Farm Insurance agent. After seven years there, he returned to East TN to continue as an agent in Greeneville, TN. He retired after 42 years in August, 2014. He enjoyed the many relationships he had with his policyholders and appreciated the opportunity to serve them. Rex was an avid Big Orange fan. He attended many Vol football games in Knoxville and various Bowl Game locations. He loved to bring fried chicken and share the fun at the tailgating events. He also loved golf which he enjoyed right up to the end of his life. He loved to cook and entertain friends at home and welcomed many over the years. Receiving of friends will be at Trinity United Methodist Church, Monday, October 4 from 4-7 with service to follow at 7. Family and friends will gather Tuesday, October 5, at Emerts Cove Cemetery in Pittman Center, TN (Sevier County) Due to COVID-19 the family is encouraging everyone to wear their mask. Thoughts and memories may be shared with the family at www.jeffersmortuary.com. Jeffers Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Carman Rex Whaley, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.