Michael Bomar Whitney, 69, of Shelbyville, died Saturday, April 30, 2022.
He was born August 13, 1952, to Leland and Iris Whitney. Mike was a graduate of Shelbyville Central High and the University of Tennessee. He earned an MFA from Washington University in St. Louis, followed by a career of several decades in graphic art and design. Mike’s greatest joy was his daughter Leanne, whom he raised with his former wife, Susie Acton Whitney. His greatest passion was rock drumming. His drumming career began while in high school with a local band, and he went on to play with numerous bands while living in St. Louis.
He is preceded in death by his father Leland and his former wife Susie. He is survived by his daughter Leanne Whitney of St. Louis, mother Iris Whitney of Chattanooga, and 4 siblings: Mark (Susan) Whitney of Waco, Texas, Ann (Frank) Watkins of Chattanooga, Jack Whitney of St. Louis, and Joel (Karen) Whitney of Knoxville. Mike had 22 nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. His kindness, humor, and creativity will be deeply missed by so many.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 21 at 11 a.m. at the Raus Community Center, 125 Smith Chapel Road.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Becky Spencer Memorial Scholarship Fund, 2229 Fairfield Pike, Shelbyville, or your favorite charity.
