Lawrence Edward “Larry” Whaley, 77 of St. Cloud passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2023. He was a member of a Pioneer Osceola County Ranching Family. Larry was born the son of Dr. A.E (Doc) Whaley and Patsy Johnston Whaley and was a lifelong Osceola County resident. Larry graduated from Osceola High School class of 1963 where he was fondly nicknamed “Lightning” for his infamously speedy tendencies and also graduated from Auburn University with the Bachelor Degree, in History and Political Science. Larry fondly remembers his time teaching school in St. Cloud for several years. Many of his former students still affectionately recall his more traditional “classroom management style.” He went on to serve as Osceola County Commissioner for 18 years 1978-1996 and served as Clerk of the Court from 1997-2008. He was a past Big Boss of the Silver Spurs Club and former member of the Kissimmee Jaycees.
Mr. Whaley was a warm, welcoming and personable community leader, mentor, friend and Clerk. Tenured members of the county have fond memories of his time in office. They describe Mr. Whaley as someone who was “Well respected but also genuinely loved by all he met. He was someone who truly advocated for his staff and for Citizens of Osceola County.” Mr. Whaley positively impacted everyone he interacted with.
His passionate involvement and steadfast relationships in the community helped advance the Clerk’s office and the services provided. Mr. Whaley was a visionary as County Commissioner and in his leadership of the Clerk’s office. Throughout his career, he was instrumental in the development of Osceola County and was involved in the planning and constructing of the Osceola County Stadium, now Osceola Heritage Park, and the Osceola County Courthouse.
Survivors include sons: He is survived by 5 children; Steve (Kaye) Whaley of Kenansville, Florida, Leon (Shelly) Whaley of Magnolia, Arkansas, Lynette (TJ) Bryant of Kenansville, Florida, Brett (Toby) Whaley, of Kenansville, Florida, and Lauren Ashley Whaley of Atlanta Georgia, 13 precious grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, sister Nancy (Dennis) Jewell of Kissimmee.
The Whaley Family will receive friends, family, and community members from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, February 23, 2023 at the Roger C. Thompson Memorial Chapel, Conrad & Thompson Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Larry will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 24, 2023 at the Event Center, Osceola Heritage Park, 1901 Chief Osceola Trail, Kissimmee, Fl. 34744, with the Pastor Leonard Thompson, Heartcry Chapel, St. Cloud, Florida, Officiating.
Interment to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Kissimmee, Florida. Active casket bearers will be Justin Whaley, Cade Whaley, Cameron Bryant, Derrick Whaley, Gavin Whaley, Hayden Bryant, Holden Bryant and honorary casket bearer Collin Bryant, who is serving his mission in Africa.