OBITUARY

Matthew Daniel Whitley passed suddenly on 9 July 2026 at his home in Walton County. Matthew was born 4 Nov. 1989 at the U.S. Army Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany the son of Major Bruce A. Whitley.

He was an Honor Graduate of George Walton Academy where he was a member of the Bulldog’s football, track, and wrestling teams. Matthew also held the distinction of perfect attendance for all 14 years.

He was an Honor Graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY. Where he was Commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Army in May 2012. He was selected for the Aviation Branch, completing the Army Aviation Officer Basic Course and following initial flight training. He was selected to fly the AH-64 Apache Helicopter Gunship and designated an Army Aviator. Matthew deployed with the 101st Airborne Division to Afghanistan serving as a Platoon Leader flying hundreds of combat hours in the Apache providing aerial fire support for U.S. and Coalition ground forces. Returning he attended the Aviation Officers’ Advance Course and was then assigned to 1st Cavalry Division and again deployed this time to Iraq. When U.S. forces were ordered to enter Syria, as a Capitan he commanded and led his Apache Company in the aviation attack in support of U.S. ground and special operation forces. On his return and having completed his obligation of service he requested separation and was Honorably discharged from active service.

Entering the next phase of his life he moved to Athens, GA and completed the Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Georgia. Matthew returned to Walton County building a home on family property and entering into business with his father operating BMW Aviation LLC. He held an Airline Transport Pilot helicopter rating and was certified as a FFA Instrument Instructor pilot helicopter. He also was one of the first group of instructor pilots to graduate from the Robinson Helicopter factory R44 Instructor’s Pilot Standardization Course with certificate #16. Matthew was President/Owner of Trophy Point Properties LLC, Vice President of Whitley Construction LLC, President of the Rotary Club in Monroe, a member of the Congressional District Selection Board for U.S. Service Academy nominations and an active alumni of George Walton Academy.

His numerous military awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (2nd award), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2nd award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon w/ 3 bars, NATO Medal, Combat Identification Badge, Combat Action Badge, Basic Aviator Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal w/Campaign Star. Matthew’s West Point and Combat deployments are on display at the Monroe/Walton Center for the arts that he donated a couple months ago.

Matthew is survived by his beloved dog Taylor, who was his loyal loving companion for 13 years, father Bruce & Kristal Whitley, Sister Ashley & Scott Rawls, Uncle Allen (Col Ret) & Gail Whitley, cousin Tripp & Sara Whitley.

Memorial Services will be held at Meadow’s Funeral Home, Monroe, GA., visitation Sunday 19 July 2026 from 1-5 PM, funeral Monday 20 July 2026 at 1PM, burial following at Social Circle City Cemetery.