Obituary

Jack Walter Whitley, of Charleston, WV, passed away sweetly and peacefully at his home on Loudon Heights, Saturday, April 4, 2026, surrounded by his family after a short battle with colon cancer.

Born on July 21, 1960, in Roanoke, VA, to Dr. Ebb and Shirley Whitley, Jack grew up in McDowell county, WV, where he was an all-state wrestler, a fierce competitor as an expert horse rider and loved to ride dirt bikes. His passion for being a pharmacist was born there and he later graduated with his Doctorate in Pharmacy degree from Mercer University.

Jack was treated exclusively at MD Anderson Cancer Hospital in Houston, TX, with his brother, Jeff, there to care for him. After all treatment options were exhausted, Jack had one final wish and that was to be home. Less than 24 hours later, he flew home by private medical jet with his sister, Jenny, by his side. Once home, Jack was at complete peace and his final words to his family were “I am so happy” before he drifted off to sleep to eternal peace to meet his Savior. 

Jack was so proud to be a loyal and faithful CAMC pharmacist for over 30 years. He worked full-time at WV Health Right, where he was also a valued Board member, where he was passionate and dedicated to caring for the uninsured and underinsured of our state. Jack was a selfless, kind and caring soul who was a “father” and mentor to so many in his role at the clinic. He trained countless students and was eager to share his knowledge and expertise in the pharmacy. 

He loved spending time with his family, golfing, competitive cycling, riding motorcycles, working at the clinic with his pharmacy staff, fishing and the great outdoors. He cherished his family memories and  “he loved well and was well loved.” Anyone who knew and loved Jack was blessed beyond measure.

He is survived by his mother Shirley Fender Thompson of Asheville, NC, sister Jenny Whitley McReynolds (husband, Jon) of  Kingsport, TN, and brothers, Jeff Whitley (wife, Debbie) and Keis Whitley, of Ashville, NC, nieces, Raven, Maggie, and Jessi and nephews, Dylan (wife-Megan, and their daughters Isla and Quinn), Lucas and Jake, and a daughter, Alex.

In honor of Jack’s dedication and service as a pharmacist and a board member, the Board of Directors and CEO are dedicating and renaming the pharmacy as the “Jack Walter Whitley Pharmacy at WV Health Right.”

The family would like to thank the world-class staff at MD Anderson, the flight crew, the nursing staff of the ICU at CAMC Memorial and finally, hospice, for helping us get our beloved Jack home in record time. The teamwork and dedication it took illustrates just how special Jack was to everyone who knew him .

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, April 8, at West Virginia Health Right, 1520 Washington Street East, Charleston, WV, 25311. Reception immediately to follow with catering by Chef Paul Smith and 1010 Bridge.

A graveside service will be held in Ashville, NC, later this week.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jack’s honor to West Virginia Health Right at the address above or online at www.wvhealthright.org .

 Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com .