Michael Kenneth Whaley, Sr.

Michael Kenneth Whaley, Sr. passed away Wednesday June 21, 2023 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born April 26, 1937 in Wauchula, Florida to James Hershel & Voncile Marsh Whaley. He served in the United States Navy for 4 years and was stationed throughout Northeast Asia. Following his time in the Navy, Mike was employed by Orange County in the data processing department. He then worked for the Polk County Board of County Commissioners as a data processor and later finished his career with the Polk County School Board as a computer technician. Mike was a devoted Father and Husband and loved his family deeply. He was an avid sports fan and rarely missed any televised sporting events. He especially loved all sports associated with the Florida Gators. Mike loved the outdoors and was happiest when he was mowing the grass or working in his yard which was always beautifully landscaped. He was a member of the Polk County Master Gardener Program and loved working with and growing any type of plants. Mike was a life-long resident of Bartow and was pre-deceased by his parents, brothers; Lawrence Whidden, James Glenn Whaley, Robert Whaley, Ralph Joseph Whaley, Jackie L. Whaley, Charles J. Whitehead and William Whitehead. He is survived by his wife Frieda Whaley of Bartow FL, daughters Michelle Royce (Steve) of Lake Placid FL, Terri Whitaker of Bartow, FL, son Michael Whaley, Jr. (Heather) of Arlington, WA., Step-daughters Shanna Calandros (John) of Bartow, FL, Jill Pittman of Bartow, FL, Step-son Sam Gibbs (Linda) of Pensacola, FL, Brothers Alonzo Whitehead of Brandon, FL, Tommy Whitehead of Louisville, KY, Sister Elania Gustat of Hendersonville, TN and 12 Grandchildren and 2 Great-Grandchildren. The Family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Bartow on Friday, June 30, 2023. The Memorial service will follow at 11:00 am Friday, June 30, 2023 at First Baptist Church. Condolences to the family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com