Theodore Whaley of Bainbridge Twp, passed away unexpectedly on March 27, 2023 at the age of 82, with his family by his side. He was born May 9, 1940 in Sevierville, TN to Minnie and Isaac Whaley, and was one of 12 children. His license plate denoted his place, “TW 711”, he was the 7th son and 11th child. He is survived by his daughters, Judy (Scott) Williams, Cindy (Matt) Cohen and Tina (Ross) Keen, ex-wife Toshiko Whaley, grandchildren Cassie, Michael and Justin Stratton, Sarah and Jackson Keen, his sister Billie Jean Dirmeyer, niece-neighbor Tammy Bethel and his lifelong friend Larry Trace, with whom he spoke to almost every day of his life. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly, and although most knew him as Ted, to family he was Grandpa or Uncle Dick. He was preceded in death by his daughter Yudie, his parents, and siblings Olwin, R.C., T.J., Conley, Lucille, Clyde, Buford, Mayford, Helen and Zetty Ann.
He spent most of his life as resident of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, graduating CFHS Class of ‘59, was a proud member of the United States Army, Chagrin Falls Police Department and retired after many years from the United States Postal Service.
In his early retirement he could be found helping with his 5 grandchildren, helping his daughters and his friends with any project he could, hanging out with his nephews/buddies JR and Geoff (aka ‘goof’) and his brother Clyde, and having breakfast every Saturday with his longtime group of friends. On any given day he could be found messing around with some sort of motor, be it a car, tractor or lawn mower, you name it. There was not a motor that he couldn’t fix, all you had to do was show up at his barn and he’d help you … as long as you brought him a cup of coffee.
Family is having visitation on Friday, March 31st, 2023, from 4-7 pm at Kindrich-McHugh Steinbauer Funeral Home, 33375 Bainbridge Road, Solon, Ohio. Arrangements entrusted to Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home, Chagrin Falls, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Bainbridge Area Food For Friends to honor his brother Clyde’s many years of service, or the Chagrin Falls Firefighters Charitable Foundation.
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