Obituary of George Van Whaler

Dr. George Van Whaler passed away at Southern Regional Hospital in Riverdale, Georgia Saturday, January 6, 2018. Van was born in Springfield, Ohio on September 25, 1945, and was preceded in death by his parents George and Chellamae Morris Whaler.  Van is survived by his wife of 36 years Kathryn Whaler; two daughters Heather R. Spillman (Jonathan), Kelly M. Whaler, and one son Sean M. Whaler (Mandy); two grandchildren Harper Spillman and Sean Whaler, Jr.; six nieces and nephews. Van served in the U. S. Army in Vietnam where he received a Bronze Star for combat duty during the Tet Offensive. Van played football at Miami University of Ohio where he received a BA. He obtained a Master’s and Ph.D. degree from Kent State University. He spent over forty years in city and county government in Ohio, Michigan and Georgia which included his ownership of Van G. Whaler Consulting Inc., where he successfully assisted many local governments throughout Georgia. He served as the County Administrator of Butts County on three different occasions. Van was a dog lover. He enjoyed fishing and watching sports, especially Georgia Tech football.  

Memorial services for Dr. Van Whaler will be held at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 23, 2018 in the Sherrell Memorial Chapel with Mr. Ralph Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions to the Michael J. Fox Foundation (https://www.michaeljfox.org/tribute/tribute-page.php?id=787&np=true) or to the volunteer organization Butts Mutts- donations can be made on ButtsMutts Facebook page.  

Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home, 212 East College Street, Jackson, is serving the Whaler family. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.sherrell-westburyfuneralhome.com