Richard Earl Whatley, 77, of Vernon, Texas, passed away on October 23, 2026. He was born on August 26, 1949, in Vernon, Texas. He was the son of Donald Hampton Whatley and Vema Jean Herring Vickers.

Richard spent most of his life in Vernon, where he owned and ran his own cabinet carpentry business. He was a craftsman who did fine work with his hands, and he put those skills to use for his faith, helping to build the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Vernon. He was a devout Jehovah's Witness, and his faith guided him throughout his life.

To his grandsons he was Pawpaw. He loved to laugh, and he loved deeply. He was the cornerstone of his family, and anyone could come to him to talk about anything. Nothing meant more to him than his family. He never tired of bringing up memories of his grandsons as young boys, and he laughed just as hard every time he told them.

His children, Ronnie “Bubba” and Kimberly Dawn “Rabbie”, were the light of his life. Richard and Kimberly never missed a day without sending a new funny emoji or reel to one another and have a great belly laugh.

Richard enjoyed hunting and going fishing. He also enjoyed watching game shows and loved to learn something new every day. He loved to listen to music. He played the harmonica and loved to sing.

Richard was preceded in death by his son, Ronnie Whatley, father Donald Whatley, and mother, Velma Vickers. He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Stanford and Son-in-Law, Alton Stanford; his grandsons, Ronnie Stanford and Colton and Eric Zavinski.

Graveside services will be held Friday, October 30, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Eastview Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.

Richard rests in the hope of the resurrection, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.