Jerry F. Whitley
Rank: Lt Col
Entered Into Eternal Rest
2024-12-16
Jerry F. Whitley, Lt. Colonel, USAF, (Retired) passed away on December 16, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Gloria Jean Whitley.
Jerry was born in Bethune, South Carolina, son of Leodus Tadlock Whitley. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gloria Jean Whitley and brothers, Donald and Harold. He is survived by his son, Jeffrey (Christi) of Dalton, Georgia.
Shortly after graduating from Bethune High School in 1955, he enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF). While attending Air Traffic Control School (FAA Certification), he volunteered to serve as a USAF Combat Control Team member (Blue Beret). He served in this position for six years.
In May 1960, he departed USAF to further his education at the University of South Carolina (USC). In May 1963, Jerry graduated from USC with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. At the same time, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in USAF. He immediately returned to his former USAF Combat Control Team duties. As a team member for 17 years, he was a Master Parachutist, Jumpmaster and HALO (High Altitude, Low Opening) certified. During this period, he completed over 700 static-line and freefall parachute jumps.
From 1972-75, at Langley AFB, Virginia, he served as head of the Office of Primary Responsibility for Combat Control Teams worldwide. He also served on the Tactical Air Command Inspector General Team for Operational and Readiness Management Effectiveness Inspections and National Association Treaty Organization (NATO).
In May 1975, he was chosen to serve as the Combat Control Team representative on the USAF Air Staff (Pentagon). For family reasons, he declined this career opportunity and was reassigned to The University of South Carolina, as an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies and Commandant of Cadets. He served in this position for five years and then was fortunate enough to remain at USC and serve as an Admission Counselor for the USAF Academy, USC, Clemson College, The Citadel and Baptist College for two years. He retired from the USAF on August 1, 1982.
Following his 25-year active duty USAF career, Jerry chose the field of education as his next challenge in life. From 1982-84, he joined School District Five of Lexington County as a teacher (4 years) and principal for 12 years. he retired from the district at the beginning of the year 2000.
In addition to his USC undergraduate degree, he holds master's degrees from both USC and George Washington University.
In 1998, he was selected to serve as a University of South Carolina Athletic Department Gamecock Ambassador and proudly assisted the Garnet and Black teams, when and where needed, for 14 years.
Jerry was a lifetime member of the University of South Carolina Alumni Association, The Air Force Association, and the USAF Combat Control Association (#650).
Jerry will be privately cremated. He wishes to thank the United States Air Force for offering him a chance in life and for "what a wonderful, exciting ride that was." He also wishes to express his gratitude to all of his Combat Control Team brothers worldwide for serving this great nation and helping to keep it safe and secure.
Respectfully,
CCA Board of Directors
