Jarvis Wayne Whatley

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Wilson – Home Going services for Mr. Jarvis Wayne Whatley, 63, of Wilson is scheduled for 11:00 am Sat. Nov. 4, 2023, at the Wilson Assembly of God Church with Bro. Bill Baker officiating. Interment will follow at Hewitt Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm Friday evening at Alexander Gray Funeral Home of Wilson.

Jarvis was born Feb. 19, 1960 at Ardmore to the late Mr. Aubrey Loyce Whatley and Mrs. Annie Elizabeth (Croan) Whatley. He departed this life Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at Ardmore.

Jarvis was raised in Wilson attending school there until joining the United States Navy at the age of 17, wanting to be a submarinist. He soon found out he was too tall to be a submarinist and therefore served as a cannon crewman. After serving 2 years honorably in the Navy, he transferred to the Oklahoma Army National Guard where he retired as Staff Sergeant serving as a Motor Transport Operator (88M). He served wartime within Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He retired from the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 2004, after having a total of 26 years of enlistment.

Jarvis married his lifelong love Ms. Tanya Jones on Aug. 3, 1985 at the Lake Murray Chapel in Ardmore. They primarily made their home in Wilson, raising their children. Jarvis served in many civic capacities, holding a position within the Wilson School Board, Boy Scouts Arbuckle Council Board and the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys, Burnin Daylight Chapter. His passion was the horsemanship program at Camp Simpson, helping originate that program always having a horse and a message for every scout. Jarvis made thousands of cross necklaces and freely gave them to anyone wanting one. His mission in life was to lead as many to Christ as possible, by simply starting a conversation about “what brand do you ride for”. Numerous kids, families and scouts learned of Christ by Jarvis’ dedication and faith.

Tanya preceded him in death on Sept. 18, 2020 and since Jarvis yearned to see her again. He loved doing reenactments of the Old West with his western prop and always had a horse for any kid wanting to ride. His love for the Lord opened many doors leading him to worship at many churches but always felt at home at the Wilson Assembly of God Church.

In addition to his wife Tanya, also preceding him in death are parents and brothers, Johnnie, Junior and Jake Whatley.

Survivors include his children, LaDonna Peal and husband Ricky of Fox, Jessica Palmer and husband Ed of Haughton, LA, Jenny Wyrick and husband Steven of South Coffeyville, OK and Jericho Whatley and wife Savannah of Wilson; five grandchildren, Ava “Goober”, Jaxon, Taylor, Jase and Ryker; brother, Jeff Whatley and wife Robin of Wilson; sister, Jane Butler and husband Dale of Ringling; sister in laws, Mildred Whatley of Lone Grove and Kay Whatley of Ringling; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Casket bearers will be Jeff Whatley, Braden Whatley, Brad Whatley, Greg Whatley,  Warren Butler, Jonathan Whatley and Ronnie Whatley.

Honorary bearers are all the present and past Boy Scouts of the Arbuckle Council and Camp Simpson, and Thad Kassheimer and Zane Gray.

Condolences may be sent online at www.alexandergrayfh.com