Freddie Michael Whitley

Fred M. Whitley, of Sierra Vista, AZ, peacefully passed away on December 11th, 2025, after a brief illness. Fred was born in Tacoma, WA and was the eldest child of Ron and Shirley Whitley. Fred grew up in Gig Harbor, WA, and graduated from Peninsula High School and the University of Puget Sound. 

Following graduation from college, Fred entered the US Air Force, reserves and active duty, and served from 1964-1969. Following his military service, Fred worked with Mass Mutual in California, where he met Linda (Sumpter) and her 2 year-old daughter Jennifer while singing in a local community choir. They eloped in Las Vegas on August 1, 1971. 

Fred left Mass Mutual in 1977 and took a position with Pacific Mutual in Seattle in 1978. After several moves with Pacific Mutual, including Chicago and California, he worked for Caterpillar from 1995-1998 and Aid Association for Lutherans until 2002. In 2002, after Linda’s job change to Sierra Vista, AZ, Fred took a role with Allstate in AZ. 

Following Linda’s sudden passing in 2005, Fred retired in 2007 and became very active in the Sierra Vista Barbershop Chorus and Faith Presbyterian Church. In 2008, Fred remarried and he and Phyllis spent their time traveling the US and Europe. 

Fred was very much a “people person”, who found great joy in helping others. He liked to tease and banter with most everyone he met - the waitress at the restaurant, the man on the street and especially his church family at Faith Presbyterian, whom he loved deeply. Fred was truly his community’s Good Samaritan, a man who loved to reach out and meet another person’s need while expecting nothing else in return. The phrase, “Need help? Ask Fred!” certainly applied to how he lived his life. 

Fred was predeceased by his parents, Ron and Shirley Whitley, his first wife Linda Whitley, and his second wife Phyllis Whitley. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer of Cincinnati, OH; son Derek of Etna, CA; his five grandchildren: Jessica, Shelby, John Michael, Aryah, and Abigail; his sister, Diane (Mike) Crum; and brother, Gary (Linda) Whitley. 

A memorial service for Fred will be held on January 10, 2026 at 2:00PM at Faith Presbyterian Church in Sierra Vista, Arizona. 2053 East Choctaw Drive. 

Donations in Fred’s memory can be made to the Faith Presbyterian Maintenance Fund.