Charlie Eldridge Whalen, Jr.

Charlie Eldridge Whalen, Jr., 81, of Macon, died Tuesday, March 9, 2021.  Funeral services will be held Friday, March 12, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Hart’s Chapel of the Cupola with the Reverend Jerry Dorriety and Dr. Mark Hudgins officiating.  Burial will be private at Macon Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew Christian Church, 6220 Thomaston Rd, Macon, GA 31220 or to the charity of your choice.

Son of the late Charlie E. Whalen, Sr. and Lillian Cox Whalen, Mr. Whalen graduated from Lanier High School in 1958.  Childhood sweethearts since 1955, Mr. Whalen loved and adored Joan, and they were married for 62 years.  He founded Vineville Tire Company in 1966 and was lovingly dubbed the “Mayor of Vineville Avenue” in the 1970s.  Mr. Whalen was a charter member of Houston Avenue Christian Church and St. Andrew Christian Church serving as the treasurer for 12 years.

Mr. Whalen was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Zemmie B. Waits and father-in-law, Joe B. Waits.

Mr. Whalen is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Joan Whalen of Macon; children, Sherri Whalen Thigpin (Danny) of Macon, Charles Robbie Whalen (Kim) of Macon, Rhonda Whalen Steger (Marty) of Fayetteville, Georgia; grandchildren, Ashley Thigpin Yeomans (Josh), Alex Thigpin (Suzanne), Casey Whalen (Stacey), Samantha Whalen (Ryan Hilley) all of Macon, and Zemmie Steger of Fayetteville; great grandchildren, Ellie Yeomans, Lily Kate Yeomans, Daniel Thigpin, Charles Thigpin, Hadley Whalen, Walker Whalen; and sister-in-law, Judy Cooper of Macon.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.

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