Mr. Lenard “Subo” Whaley, age 92, passed away peacefully at his home on June 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 20, 1933, in Dalton, GA, to the late Preston and Ethel Freeland Whaley.

Lenard is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Clinton Whaley (Evelyn), Ralph Whaley (Lorraine), Grady Whaley, Freeman Whaley (Lillian), and Winfred Whaley (Jimmie); sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorthy Whaley Cooper (Henry), Lois Whaley Summey (Eugene), Beulah Whaley Manning (Ed) Gallant (John), and Betty Whaley Nelson (Homer); and sister-in-law, Jewell Barton Whaley.

Lenard is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Joy Bernice Ogle Whaley; his sons and daughters-in-law, Preston and Gwen Whaley, and Brent and Shannon Whaley; his cherished grandchildren, Stephen Whaley, Sara Robertson (Russell), Lauren Schmitt (Austin), Dylan Whaley (Aiden), Hannah Whaley, and Noah Whaley; 11 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Carole Whaley. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

Lenard grew up in the Beaverdale Community on the family farm. He attended Dawnville School, graduating from Dawnville High School in 1951. During his school years, Lenard was actively involved in his church and the FFA. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952, reporting to engineering school at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. In June 1953, Airman Whaley was assigned as a jet mechanic in the 352nd Bomb Squadron of the famous 301st Bombardment Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Bossier City, LA. He was a crew chief of the vast team of maintenance men who kept the famed Boeing B-47 Stratojet bomber, the KC-97 tanker, and their complex equipment in excellent shape. During his military duty, Lenard earned the rank of Master Sergeant and served overseas in North Africa as part of the Strategic Air Command’s global striking mission.

Lenard returned to Dalton after leaving the Air Force. An important phone call would forever change his life. Lenard began dating Joy Bernice Ogle in 1956. He would later marry the love of his life on March 15, 1958. As a newlywed, Lenard enrolled at Tennessee Tech where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1961. He went on to earn his Master of Education in Administration from Middle Tennessee State University in 1961. Lenard began his teaching career in the Whitfield County School System in August, 1961, at Pleasant Grove School. He taught seventh grade and was the seventh and eighth grade boys and girls basketball coach. In 1965, Lenard began teaching in the Science Department at Eastbrook High School. He was the first Driver’s Education teacher in the WCS System. In the summer of 1969, Lenard became principal of Eton Elementary School where he served a short principalship of only four months due to the opportunity of being named the Administrator of Whitfield County. Lenard served as County Administrator for 32 years before retiring in June, 2001. His dedicated career in Whitfield County led to many projects we continue to enjoy today. Upon retirement, Lenard enjoyed time with Bernice, family, friends, and his many livestock and prosperous gardens.

Throughout his life, Lenard was a faithful servant to his church and community. He began serving the Lord as a young Christian while attending Deep Springs Baptist before joining Grove Level Baptist Church where he remained a faithful member until his death. Lenard served as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, in the prison ministry at the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office, in the furniture ministry serving the needy, or anywhere he could serve. Lenard was a devout man of God. His faith was evident in every aspect of his life. He loved Jesus, his family, and his community with all his being. He never met a stranger. Lenard was happiest sharing the gospel. Together, Lenard and Bernice built a loving home built on strong Christian values and filled with love and happiness.

The family will receive friends at the Pleasant Grove Chapel of Julian Peeples Funeral Homes on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm.

The family will also receive friends in the sanctuary of Grove Level Baptist Church on Thursday, June 17, 2026, from 12:00 pm until the funeral time at 2:00 pm.

The funeral service will then begin at 2:00 pm on Thursday, with Dr. Charlie Bridges officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Grove Level Baptist Church.

2802 Cleveland Hwy, Dalton, GA 30721

Burial will take place at the Whitfield Memorial Gardens.

Messages of comfort may be sent to the family at www.julianpeeples.com.