James Edward Whitley, age 74 of Sanford, died Monday (12/22/2014) at Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford. He was born in Atlanta, Texas, son of the late Charles Amos Whitley and Oreane Noland Whitley Bradley. He was a retired Veteran of the United States Army and was retired from the United States Postal Service. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am Wednesday (12/31/2014) at the Church of God of Prophecy in Sanford with Pastor Vernon Riggins officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake. Surviving is his wife of 55 years Mary Evans Whitley of the home; Daughter Darlene Willprecht and husband Craig of Sunburg, Minnesota; Sons Darrell Whitley , Johnny Whitley, and Danny Whitley and wife Laura of Sanford, NC; Brothers Weston and Preston Bradley of Little Rock, Arkansas and Johnny and Bobby Whitley of Texarkana, Texas; Four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service from 10-11am on Wednesday at the Church of God of Prophecy. Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com Arrangements are by the Smith Funeral Home of Broadway.