James William Worley

James William Worley, 89, of Whitney, passed away on January 30, 2020, at his residence.   Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 3, 2020 at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors in Whitney with Rev. Bruce Worley officiating.  Burial will follow at Whitney Memorial Park.  A visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, February 2, 2020, at the funeral home.

One stormy day, the 15th of April of 1930, James William Worley made his appearance into this world to his parents, William Keith “Buster” and Fannie Mae Beesley Worley.   Mrs. Annie Ward assisted in the delivery.

As a child he suffered from severe asthma but was still able to compete in sports in school.  He graduated from Whitney High School in 1947 and began his life’s work on a survey crew working at the Whitney Dam.

On August 13, 1951, he married the love of his life, the girl, almost literally, next door, Willie Mae Shaw.   The couple left Whitney in 1953, with young son Jimmy, to follow construction work.  While following the work, 2nd son Steve was born in Boise, Idaho.  They finally settled in Arlington in 1958 where 3rd son Bruce was born.   They left Arlington to settle in Irving where the boys attended Irving schools.

The family was very active in church, filling whatever position was needed.   He served as an active deacon for 50 year until his health became a hindrance.  In 1972, he started his own surveying business, Worley Field Service, which he operated for 20 years before retiring.

He played softball for leagues in Irving forming his own team and competing in tournaments around the area.  He was a diehard Dallas Cowboy fan; he and Willie had season ticket from the Cotton Bowl days to seasons at Texas Stadium even following America’s Team to 2 Super Bowls.   He also love watching the Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks.  He loved hearing his son Steve’s stories about things happening in and around the Texas Rangers since Steve worked at the Ballpark.

He and Willie returned to their roots in Whitney in 1998 and became active in First Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father in 1976 and his mom in 2000; one son, Jimmy Kyle in 2015; 2 brothers, Billy Veldon in 1930 and Donal Ray in 1963; one sister, Wanda Jean Qualls in 2000; 2 brothers-in-law, Winton Ralph Hulett and Isaac Qualls.

He leaves behind his wife of 68 years, Willie Mae of Whitney; one sister, JoAnn Hulett of Channelview; 2 sons, Stephen Lane and wife, Cheri of Irving and Bruce Keith and wife, Gabbie of Waco; 12 grandchildren, Angela and husband Calvin Morris of Aubrey, Kristi Foley and companion Brad Davis and his daughter Lily, Natalie Johnson of Irving, Amber and husband Chris Carmean of North Richland Hills, Andrew Worley and wife, Valerie of Lewisville, Jacob Worley of Irving, Jaclyn and husband, Jason Robertson of Falls Church, Virginia, Madalyn Worley and companion, Bridgette of Garland, Jameson Worley of San Marcos, Abbie and husband Jeremy Wilson of Anchorage, Alaska, David Scott and wife Erin of Denver, Colorado and Sondra Scott of Phoenix, Arizona.  Also to mourn his passing are 14 great-grandchildren, Cory and companion Amber and her son Gunner, Kaitlyn, McKailyn, Loki, Mia, Maddox, Kinsey, Nixon, Aaron, Emmaline, Nikki, Dylan, Hannah, Keiffer, and Tristan as well as 3 great-great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Luna, and Kayce; 2 daughters-in-law, Susan Kepple Worley of Whitney and Sandra Blake of Garland; and many nieces and nephews; a wonderful church family and a host of lifetime friends.

James was a wonderful husband, loving father and an amazing Papa.  He loved the Lord and served his church and his Lord faithfully.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 426, Whitney, TX  76692 or Whitney Memorial Park, P.O. Box 889, Whitney, TX  76692.