John Wesley Whitley passed from this life into eternity on October 23, 2019 in Lufkin, TX at the age of 64 years. He was born in Lufkin, TX on March 1, 1955, the son of Willard Whitley and Joan Nash Whitley.

John was an extraordinary man. He loved to meet new people and make new friendships. He enjoyed being able to help people and would "give the shirt off of his back" to someone in need. He met the love of his life, Rhonda Bass in Houston, TX and they were married on June 1, 1984. They enjoyed traveling together and creating new memories. John loved his family and he especially enjoyed sharing his childhood memories with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was known for telling "little Johnny" jokes and being "silly" with kids. John also loved family dinners because he enjoyed "maw maw's" home cooked meals with her sweet tea. He also enjoyed drinking Pepsi sodas and coffee while creating memories with the grandchildren. He loved life and traveling to the casinos to "try his luck."

Mr. Whitley is preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Joan Whitley and his son, Wayne "Bubba" Gibson. His survivors include his loving wife of 35 years, Rhonda Whitley of Groveton, TX; daughter, Melissa Espino and husband, Javie of Houston, TX; daughter, Joanne Norsworthy of Houston, TX; son, Bruce Whitley of Houston, TX; sister, Geneva Whitley of Houston, TX; grandchildren: Stephanie Smith and husband, David, Sean Delacruz and wife, Michelle, Chase Gibson, Jessica Watkins and Dawson Chumley; great grandchildren: Dylan Pillows, Tanner Smith, Austin Smith, Monica Smith, Ryan Smith and Connor Delacruz; special niece, Hope Vidal of Missouri; special friends, Diane Fry and Cody Powell and a host of other relatives and friends also survive.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2019 in the Cartwright Memorial Chapel of Groveton Funeral Home in Groveton, TX with Pastor Lonnie Valance officiating.

Services arranged by Groveton Funeral Home, Directors.