Gerald Dean “Cleo” Whelchel, 70, of 363 Roundtree Road, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 11, 2010, at his residence.

Born in Union County, he was the son of Elizabeth Moore Whelchel of Gaffney and the late Carl Lee Whelchel. He was retired from the textile industry and was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by a brother, Kenneth Whelchel and wife, Lessie, of Forest City, N.C.; two sisters, Peggy Wilkie Henson and Maggie Thomas and husband, Donnie, all of Gaffney; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Upchurch; a special friend and caregiver, Dora “Sister” Pennington of Gaffney; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Danny Whelchel and Rodney Whelchel, and four sisters, Shirley Wyatt, Vickie Millwood, Gail Mode and Betty Phillips.

The family would like to extend thanks to the caregivers of Lutheran Hospice.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, July 14, at 10 a.m. at Oakland Cemetery with the Rev. Roger Ham officiating.

The family will be at their respective homes.

An online guest register is available at www. blakelyfuneralhome. com.