Michael “Mickey” Bernard Whatley, Jr., 37, of Blairsville, passed away August 9, 2016.Mickey was born in Winter Haven, FL August 1, 1979; he and his family moved to Blairsville in 1994. Having never met a stranger, Mickey was loved by all people with whom he came in contact; his huge, kind heart and sweet, giving spirit made him one of a kind. He was so very happy, and it always shined through his bright smile. The bright light he brought to this world will be missed by all who knew and loved him. There was no bigger Tennessee Volunteers fan in all of Blairsville; the friendly rivalry he had with his Georgia Bulldogs friends was legendary. Mickey loved his job at Mike’s Heating & Air, where he worked for twelve years. He was always up for a spur of the moment camping trip, and he loved bowling, fishing, singing, Jeep riding, and taking cruises. Above all, Mickey was a loving fiancé, daddy, son, brother, and friend. Mickey is survived by his fiancée, Danielle Rosenthal, of Blairsville, and his children Emily Whatley and Michael “ Trey” Bernard Whatley, III, of Orange Park, FL and Brodi Elrod of Blairsville. Mickey is also survived by his mother, Rusti Whatley, of Blairsville; grandmothers, Patsy Whatley and Shirley Helmick, both of Blairsville; brother, Jason Whatley and his wife, Kayla, of Sautee; sister, Beth Whatley, of Canton; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by father, Michael “Mike” Whatley, Sr., and grandfathers Bill Whatley and Bill Helmick. A visitation will be held on Sunday August 14, 2016 from 2-4:00 pm from the Mountain View Funeral Home Chapel. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in Mickey’s memory.

The North Georgia News; August 17, 2016 – front page

Blairsville man killed in Murphy Highway crash