Wilburn Whitley Jr

Wilburn Whitley, Jr., 86 and long time residence of Columbia, TN died Friday, January 1, 2016 in San Diego, CA where he had made his home for the past few years. Burial will be in Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, CA on January 14, 2016 with full military honors. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with local announcements. Condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born February 17, 1929 in Maury County, he was the son of Wilburn Phinis Whitley and Nellie Ophelia Maddox Whitley. He served twenty-two years in the US Army (sfc). during which time he did tours in both Korea and Vietnam. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan he met the love of his life, Tamiko. Married on January 18, 1956, she still survives him and is living in San Diego, CA. Upon his return from service, Mr. Whitley was employed at Hardison's TV Service for several years. Upon Mr. Hardison's retirement, Mr. Whitley purchased the business and began Whitley's TV Sales and Service located on North High in Columbia. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Thomas Eugene (Pam) Whitley, granddaughters, Hana Whitley and Gina Whitley both of San Diego, CA; brother Otis (Mildred) Whitley, Columbia, TN; nieces Pam Pressnell, Columbia, TN and Lori Swaw, Dickson, TN; nephews Mike (Pam) Whitley, Linden, TN; Frankie (Selena) Hancock and David (Stephanie) Hancock of Columbia, TN, along with a host of family located in Okinawa, Japan. He was preceded in death by sisters, Dorothy Whitley, Mary Whitley Counts, Sadie Whitley Hancock; brothers, Willie B. Whitley, Grady Whitley, and Bennie Whitley.