Darrel Whaley, born in the mountains of West Virginia, grew up in modest circumstances and lived a life defined by faith, hard work, and unwavering devotion to his family.
He was raised by his single mother, Vivian Joyce Bennet, alongside his older sister, Ethel Smith. Joyce later married William Harold Whaley, who lovingly adopted Darrel and gave him the Whaley family name.
At just 14 years old, Darrel left school after the eighth grade to help support his family. Years later, in the late 1970s, he proudly earned his GED, demonstrating the determination and perseverance that characterized his entire life.
In 1956, Darrel enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served honorably for six years. During his military service, he was stationed in Key West and Pensacola, Florida, as well as Christchurch, New Zealand. He was especially proud of his participation in Operation Deep Freeze.
Known by all who loved him as one of the hardest-working men they had ever known, Darrel always put his family first. Throughout his life, he worked for Collier’s Steel Mill, Weirton Bandag, and the Pickens County School District in South Carolina. Even after long workdays, he often took on second jobs driving snowplows or working at Walmart to provide for those he loved.
In 1962, Darrel married the love of his life, Marie Ann Daugherty of Weirton, West Virginia. Friends since the first grade, they built a beautiful life together and shared nearly 59 years of marriage before Marie’s passing in 2021. Their enduring love was an inspiration to everyone who knew them.
Darrel is survived by his son, Eric Todd Whaley (Lyna), and his daughter, Robin Whaley Lynn (Bill), both of whom live on the same street as their father in The Villages, Florida. He also leaves behind two beloved granddaughters, Ashley Cheyenne Morin and Lindsay Madison Sanders; two cherished great-granddaughters, Murphy Mae Sanders and Stevie Jolene Morin; and a great-grandson, Baby Boy Sanders, who is expected to arrive soon.
A man of deep and abiding faith, Darrel loved God with all his heart and read the Bible from cover to cover many times throughout his life. He was a longtime member and faithful supporter of Kings Creek Union Chapel in Weirton, West Virginia, where his family played an important role in the church’s founding.
Above all else, Darrel loved his family without measure. His kindness, strength, quiet humility, and steadfast example touched countless lives. The world is a better place because he was in it, and his legacy will continue through the family he loved so dearly.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Cornerstone Hospice.