Thomas Eugene "Digger" Whitley

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Thomas Eugene “Digger” Whitley, 86, retired after 43 years as an Engineer for the Columbia Power & Water System and a long-time resident of Columbia died Friday, April 25, 2025 at home while peacefully surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Reverend Stephen McCollum officiating. The burial will follow in the Poplar Union Cemetery in the Duck River community of Hickman County. The family will visit with family and friends on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 3:00 PM till 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Born April 9, 1939, in Maury County, he was the son of the late James Whitley and the late Velma Foote Whitley. On December 16, 1960, he married the love of his life for 65 years, Edith Ann Hann. He was a graduate of Columbia Central High School.

Survivors include his sons, Jeff (Sharon ) Whitley, Loyd (Melanie) Whitley; grandsons John Michael Whitley, Andrew Todd Whitley, many cousins, nieces, and nephews; special friends; Wayne Hann, Terry Hann, Randy “Pop” Fitzgerald, James Edlemon (deceased).

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Michael Eugene Whitley; sisters Judy Johnson; Jean Pagel, Jane Arnold; brothers James Whitley, Jr., Harold Whitley, infant brother Robert “Bobby” Whitley.

Active pallbearers will be Robert Whitley, Todd Fitzgerald, Randy Fitzgerald, John Whitley, Andrew Whitley, Terry Hann.

Honorary pallbearers include his friends at Columbia Power and Water System and all current and past members of Doug’s Roundtable.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to Compassus Hospice care for sending the most competent, caring people; Melanie, Patricia, Pam, Teresa, Antonio, Nicole and all who supported them and gave us hope and help.