Tsgt Clinton Whitley Usaf (Ret.)

TSgt Clinton Ray Whitley USAF (Ret.), 90, of Abilene, TX, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 27, 2021, in Abilene.

Ray was born on August 22, 1931, in Childress, TX. to the late John D. Whitley and Lema Elizabeth Love. After graduating from Childress High School, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served in the Korean War and retired after 25 years of service. He then went back to work at Dyess AFB in Civil Service and retired after 20 years. During his time in the Air Force he was stationed in Japan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas. Ray married Josephine Ragusin on December 18, 1950, and they enjoyed 67 years together until Josephine passed away on May 26, 2017. He was an avid bowler and a long time Cooper High School fan and a Cooper football season ticket holder for over 40 years. Ray was also a big fan of the Texas Rangers. He was talented baseball player and played on the Air Force baseball team.

Ray is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Ann Baker, Kimberly S. Braden, and husband Jimmy; grandchildren, Amber Nicole Coonrod and husband Corbin, Courtney R. Baker, Ashton A Braden; great grandchild, Case Braden Coonrod; sister Louise Schuricht of Georgetown; numerous extended family and friends.
He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Billy Whitley and Bobby Whitley, and wife Maria; sister, Mary Stover and husband Jimmy.

A graveside service will be held Monday, January 3, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Elmwood Memorial Park. A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 2, 2022, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 US HWY 277 S., Abilene, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to American Cancer Society an organization Ray felt strongly about.

The family would like to thank Dr. Samatha Goodman, Trina Deen-Hart, and Kinder Hearts Home Health and Hospice for your care and compassion shown to Ray during our time of need.