Clifford Ray Whaley

Clifford Ray Whaley, 83, of Brenham, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, at his home surrounded by family. Clifford was born on September 26, 1942, in McAlester, Oklahoma, to Jeff Clifford Whaley and Cozette Nona Cromwell.

Cliff proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he met and married the love of his life, Rosemarie “Rosi” Isle Speth Whaley, while stationed in Kirch Gons, Germany. After Cliff completed his service in Germany, he was stationed in Ft. Hood, Texas. Cliff and Rosi returned to Carthage, Texas to establish their life and raise their children in Carthage, Texas. However, in 1994, Cliff and Rosi moved to beautiful Brenham and helped establish Brenham Collision Center with their son, Steven Whaley and wife Alesia. Cliff dedicated over 50 plus years to the automotive industry before retiring in 2020. His work ethic and craftsmanship earned him the respect and trust of countless customers and friends over the years.

Cliff was also a talented singer and musician. His warm spirit and personality showed thru his love of music, he performed for many years with local bands in Carthage and later entertained audiences at the Bluebonnet Opry in Brenham.

A devoted community member, Cliff was a longtime member, leader, and tireless volunteer at the Brenham Elks Lodge, where he served in many capacities through the years. Prior to moving to Brenham, he was also a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion in Carthage, Texas.

Cliff will be fondly remembered for his quick wit, his ability to tell a great joke, and the way he could bring humor to any situation. He never met a stranger and had a gift for making those around him feel welcome.

Cliff was preceded in death by his father, Jeff Whaley; mother, Cozette Cromwell; brother, Raymond Whaley; and sisters, Judy Ogden and Nora Boykin. He is survived by his beloved wife, Rosi Whaley; son, Steven Whaley and wife Alesia; daughters, Sybille Whaley of Bellville, Sirena Branton and her husband Scotty Branton of Brenham, and Sabrina Whaley of Nashville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Brandon Whaley of Austin, Ashton Whaley of Chicago, Illinois, Michael Branton and his wife Lana Jo Branton, and Alexis Branton of Brenham; great-grandchildren, Lillie Branton, Ace Branton, and Karson Lopez; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved him dearly.

A visitation will be held Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Graveside services will be Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Liberty Chapel Cemetery in Carthage, Texas.