Mickey S. Whatley

Michael "Mickey" Stewart Whatley, 75, former Police Chief of  North Charleston, SC, and State legislator died Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at home in North Charleston.

Born October 7, 1935 in Charleston, SC, Mickey's life was dedicated to public service. He began at the Post & Courier News as a journeyman printer but enlisted in the US Army during the Korean War era. Mickey was first a fireman and later a police officer for Charleston County. Mickey's father, Lawrence Stewart, was a county policeman also and the first to be recognized as Policeman of the Year by the Kiwanis Club; Mickey also received this award. Mickey was part of the original police force in North Charleston and became one of the City's first detectives.

He held a Bachelor of Science degree having a double major in Political Science and Criminal Justice from the Baptist College (now known as Charleston Southern University.) His law enforcement career also included work as an agent for SLED both before and after he served as Chief of Police of North Charleston from 1992 to 1994.  He was a commissioner for the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Department.     

Mickey is survived by his children:  Tim Whatley and his wife Chong of Fayetteville, NC, Todd Whatley and his wife Phoebe of Columbia, SC, Leah Whatley and Buck Whatley both of North Charleston, SC; brother, Bill Whatley of Mount Pleasant, SC; sisters, Pat Twite and Julie Kilgore both of North Charleston SC; grandchildren:  Michael Whatley of Fayetteville, NC, Samuel Whatley and Jasmine Whatley both of Columbia, SC; and former wives, Pacita Whatley and Evette Whatley both of North Charleston, SC. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louise Ottlie Stewart, Lawrence Stewart; and sister Dorothy Whatley.

The funeral service will be held in First Baptist Church of North Charleston, 4217 Rivers Avenue, Friday, August 19, 2011 at 2:00 PM followed by military honors.  The family will receive friends in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., NORTHWOODS CHAPEL, 2180 Greenridge Road Thursday, August 18, 2011 between 6:00 and 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Fraternal Order of Police Officers Benevolent fund for the families of the fallen officers, P. O. Box 62469, North Charleston, SC 29419.