Anthony Steven Whatley, Sr.

Anthony Whatley Sr. was born on April 29, 1962, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Delano Whatley Sr. and Alice Whatley. He peacefully transitioned on September 8, 2025, at OSU East Hospital.

Anthony was the best husband, father, brother, “Pal Pal,” and uncle anyone could ever ask for. Family was at the center of his life. He loved family gatherings, barbecues, and cheering on his favorite teams—the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Dallas Cowboys.

He shared a beautiful life with his wife, Denita Whatley, whom he spent 31 years with and was married to for 11 of those years. Like any couple, they had their ups and downs, but their love was unconditional. They lived for one another and demonstrated what true love is.

Anthony worked for Medline, driving semi-trucks for nearly eight years, a job he enjoyed deeply. His greatest motivation was always his wife, children, and grandchildren. Known for his sense of humor, Anthony loved pranking others and making jokes. Everyone who knew him was touched by his warm, loving spirit and unforgettable personality.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Denita Whatley; children Anthony Whatley Jr., Alysen Richardson (Marcus Richardson), and Chad Zehner Jr. (Marlisa Love); siblings Delano Whatley Jr., Gwen Whatley, Darren Williams (Amanda Williams), Bettina “Winkie” Acosta, and James Cochran Sr.; grandchildren Anthony Whatley III, Adelia Whatley, Antonio Whatley, Amelia Whatley, Moryahnna Whatley, Laila Zehner, Makaila Zehner, Zoey Zehner, Kloey Zehner, and Chad Zehner III; aunt Sharon Brown; nieces and nephews, Kenyatta Knight, Lafeyette Whatley, Wynora Whatley (Shaunta), Quatisha Parks, Anthony Parks II, Shanika Parks, Tirika Whatley, Reginal Mingle, Regina Lazona, Michael Whatley, Andre Whatley, Dreama Knight, Sherry Knight, Brandon Acosta, Alicia Acosta, Dionti Zehner, Jervaughn Ross, Veronica Henderson (Zach), Auburn Wyatt (Michael), and Khammy Williams; special loved one, Antionette Collins; a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, and friends.

Anthony was preceded in death by his parents, Delano Sr. and Alice Whatley, as well as John Whatley, Mattie Whatley, Sara Lee, James Brown, More’ (Ray) Whatley, Wynora Whatley, Milton Whatley, Johnson Will Whatley, Tawanna Whatley, Norma Acosta, and Celina Acosta.

He will truly be missed but forever remembered.

Services
Visitation: Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Funeral Service: 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Smoot Funeral Services
4019 E. Livingston Ave. Columbus, OH 43227

Repast
2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Evergreen Funeral, Cremation & Reception
1855 E. 17th Ave. Columbus, OH 43219

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