Rellie Preston Whaley, 81, of Shallotte, born June 29, 1936, while surrounded by family, made his Heavenly departure on January 1, 2018 while under the loving care of the staff of The Lower Cape Fear Hospice. Preceded in death by his father, Pinkney N. Whaley, and mother, Anner H. Whaley, of Nakina, brothers Herman, Norman, Wilce (Red), Roosevelt, Wilford (Cotton), Winfield, and sisters, Miley Proffitt, and Edna Long.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce H. Whaley, sons, Neal (Shelly) and Zendal (Sheila), and two daughters Carolyn “Snooky”, and Lisa Babson (Heath), seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Known for his outgoing spirit and contagious laughter, he always loved to make a deal and would be the first to give you the shirt off his back or the last dollar in his pocket. His spirit will always be alive in the hills of the Smoky Mountains and that is where his heart will always be. “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” Psalm 73:26

Services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, January 5, 2018 with visitation one hour prior at Brunswick Funeral Service, Shallotte, NC, with Reverend Raymond F. (Ray) Faircloth, Sr. and Jim Taylor officiating. Pall bearers include Ben Whaley, Fred Whaley, Donnie Whaley, James Allen Hewett, Carl Hewett, Ronnie Long. Honorary pall bearers are grandsons, Mitchell Whaley, Bradley Whaley, and Joseph Babson. Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Supply, NC.