Joe Howard Whitley, age 63, of Valdosta, GA, passed away on August 9, 2010 at Heritage House at Lake Haven in Valdosta, GA. Mr. Whitley was born on December 11, 1946 to the late Joe Brown and Pearlie Zanders Whitley in Douglas, GA. He was a policeman for the Lanett Police Department in Lanett, AL. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Sims Funeral Home with burial following in the Harrell Grove Church Cemetery. Survivors include: wife: Norma Jean Roberts Whitley, Valdosta, GA; son: Ricky Preston Whitley, Channohan, IL; daughter: Dianah Whitley, Elwood, Il; sisters: Rebecca Anderson, Alma, GA, Diane Griffin, Broxton, GA, Lucy Turner, Waycross, GA; grandchildren: Josh Whitley, Fort Benning,, GA; Meagan Hope Whitley, Il. Special pet friends: Jack Frost and Black Jack Whitley. The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 12, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Sims Funeral Home. Sims Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.