Rev. Gerald Leon Whitley, 72, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Novant Health Matthews.  Born July 10, 1952, in Stanly County, NC, he was a son of the late J.W. Whitley and Ruth Morgan Whitley He was also preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Dean Whitley.

Leon served 52 years in ministry at Rocky River Baptist Church, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Benton's Crossroads Baptist Church, and presently at Austin Grove Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 10-10:45 in the church fellowship building. A funeral service to celebrate the life of Pastor Whitley will be 11 AM, Friday August 16, 2024, at Austin Grove Baptist Church with burial to follow in the Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery, 12568 Philadelphia Church Road, Stanfield, NC  28163.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 52 years Cindy Hash Whitley; son, Joe Whitley (Ashley); daughters, Emily Smith (Scott) and Meredith Slaughter (Josh); grandchildren, Olivia Whitley, Colton Whitley, Rush Whitley, Whitley Smith, Landin Smith, Morgan Smith, and Tucker Smith; siblings, John Whitley (Saundra), James Whitley; number of nieces and nephews.

Memorials can be made to Austin Grove Baptist Church, 5919 Austin Grove Church Road, Marshville, NC  28103.