Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Agent Whatley,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army as a member of the 101st Airborne Division-the "Screaming Eagles!" And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 20, 2023

I have been out of the army for more than 30 years now. But I still think about my best friends while I served. And I wonder what they are up to today. I just happened to be having one of those moments and began searching on the Internet for my old buddy, Marc Whatley. I am very sorry to learn now, about Marc's passing many years ago. RIP Marc!
I served in the US Army with Marc. We went through Infantry basic training, AIT and Airborne School at Ft. Benning, Ga. together. I only knew Marc for 5 months, before we each got reassigned to different units. During those 5 months, we became good friends. We went through some tough training but had a blast! Back then Marc was a skinny, scrappy kid. And tough as nails. But always smiling, laughing and cracking jokes, to make the situation better. Today in my life, I can't think of a nicer person that I have ever met than Marc. I still remember him well and have great memories of him. I pray Marc's family and friends are doing well. Take care and God bless you. (Feel free to contact me anytime. I have some pictures of Marc and I at Ft. Benning.)

SPC Chuck McPhail
US Army, Ft. Benning, GA

February 10, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 20, 2020

I will never forget "whistle britches". Mark was always moving and his BDU's always let you know he was coming. Honored to have known, worked with & most importantly been his friend. See you in Heaven my friend.

Records Clerk Janice Tumblin
Former Laurel Police Dept

January 28, 2017

Marc I miss you so much. I can't wait to see you again in heaven.

Your brother Stacy Whatley

January 8, 2017

Agent Whatley, your sacrifice will never be forgotten! Thank you for your dedicated service to The Great State of Mississippi and the citizens you were sworn to protect! Continue to rest in peace my fellow "RedLeg"!
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:13

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of GOD." Matthew 5:9

Corporal Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol, TroopD

August 20, 2016

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

February 20, 2016

Marc or as we all knew him on DSquad, whistle britches! He was always moving and his BDU's always whistled. I miss him so much. His little girl was his heart and his brothers in blue always had his 6 and he had theirs. Rest in peace my friend

Records Clerk Janice Tumblin
Former Laurel Police Dept

February 10, 2016

Mark, there were so many shifts that you were my only relief. You would come off the streets and work records for me so I could get a break, eat supper or whatever. Not a single time did you complain but always came in with your books in arm and a smile on your face. We made some great friends at LPD and made some memories to treasure. I will never forget the day of the accident.... I drove up on it after they had transported you and Homer and when the Civil Defense Director told me it was y'all I literally feel to my knees. I don't remember much about the trip back to the hospital but I remember when I came up and saw Doug H. And he dropped his head and just hugged me. None of us could believe our "Whistle Britches" was gone.... It's been a long time since that day and we (your friends/coworkers) have watched you children grow into such fine young people. I know you smile down from Heaven as you watch the kids grow up. I miss you more than words could ever explain. Know you fought the good fight brother and rest easy my friend, we have it from here! Gone but lives on in the hearts of all who loved and knew you ""Whistle Britches!"

Records Clerk Janice Tumblin
Former Laurel Police Dept

November 5, 2015

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten! Thank you for your dedicated service to the Citizens of the State of Mississippi! Continue to Rest in Peace Agent Whatley .
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of GOD." Matthew 5:9

Corporal Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol, Troop D

August 20, 2015

I never had a chance to tell the one story I have about Mark Whatley. I was a new Agent with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotic assigned to the Meridian District under the leadership of Captain Leonard Harrison. After working there for a few months I realized that Mark and I had never really taken the time to work together. I remember asking him if I could work in the field with him one day and of course he agreed.
On August 19th, 1998, I worked with Mark was one of my most enjoyable days with the MBN. We served a few warrants, worked some pharmacy interdiction and helped some of the local boys with some of their cases. We went to the mall that day, in Meridian, and ate lunch in the food court. I had only a brief glimpse into the wonderful guy that Mark was. We had a great day working together and learning a little about each other.
The next morning, later in the morning, I received a call to report to the office ASAP. Upon arriving, with the rest of the agents in the district, Captain Harrison told us that Mark had been killed earlier that day in a car accident. Of course everyone was devastated. Captain Harrison was like a father to all of us and I watched him uncontrollably cry in sorrow. Later that day, the Lt. Col. Anderson called me and asked me to go to the impound lot where Mark’s car was taken to get all of his belongings out of the car. She apologized for asking me to do this, but she felt since I was the newest member of this team, the others who had known Mark much longer couldn’t do it. I remember picking Mark’s badge out of the console completely covered in his blood. That vision haunts me to this day.
I do not know why God picked me to spend the last day of Mark’s life with him. Why not his family? Why not one of his fellow agents? Anyone but me. I did not earn this honor, nor do I deserve the honor of the memories of that day. If there was any way before now that I knew of to share these memories, I would have. I hope this story reaches his wife and his children and there is some amount of unknown closure.
I resigned from the MBN not long after his passing. I have carried this story with me for the past thirteen years not knowing why. Perhaps me finding this memorial webpage for Mark today is why. I hope this reaches all of the people that loved him so much. Perhaps after sharing this story I can finally release the guilt I have for owning this memory. I hope this has helped cherish his life with us, and help his memory live on.

Lee Houston, RN, BSN, LNC
Former MBN agent, V107

June 4, 2015

"Whistle Britches" was what we called you. I wish you were here today to see your beautiful daughter and your son that is a spitting image of you. Rest my friend, we have it from here. My dear friend V92

Friend
Laurel Police Dept

May 13, 2015

It's amazing how some people can come into your life for a moment...but leave an everlasting impression. I remember when you came on with MBN and the energy and passion you brought with you. Everyone knew that you were going places...we just didn't know where. You had this magical smile that just lit up the room and you were dedicated and eager to serve your community. I wish you could have stayed around longer my friend but God had other plans. I pray for your family my brother, RIP.

Senior U.S Probation Officer
Former MBN Agent

April 17, 2014

Whatley-

You, Bragg, and I were about as close knit as three kids could have been while stationed at C 2-4 in Heilbronn. I learned of your death today through Stanton, and it hit me hard. I miss you, buddy.

Max Gibbons
US Army, Ret.

March 24, 2014

Marc,

I stood at your grave yesterday as we laid a wreath on it and thought about you. I looked at Lila, Marc Jr, and Lauren and thought of what you sacrificed for us all. It has been ten years since I left you a message here and I hope some glimmer of you has lived on in me during this time. Thanks again for encouraging me to take this job. Rest easy and keep watching over us all. Until we meet again, friend.

Lieutenant John Harless
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics

May 23, 2011

You are still missed by all that knew you and those of us who never got the honor.

Agent
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics

May 31, 2010

Daddy, me and mom miss u very much, i know i only knew u for a year but i feel i knew u forever! i miss u and i wish u were still here i love u very much!!!


Love,
Lauren, lil' Marc, and Mom

Lauren
daughter

January 30, 2010

Daddy, i know i only knew u for a year but i feel i knew u forever! i miss u and i wish u were still here i love u very much!!!

Lauren
daughter

January 30, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the eleventh anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

To Lila, Lauren and his other loved ones: I share your anquish in losing a beloved family member which I believe is life's greatest sorrow. Time never diminishes love. You are in my heart's embrace today. May God grant you solace.

Rest In Peace, Marc.

Anonymous

August 20, 2009

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

October 25, 2008

Lauren and I miss you very much! Today you would have turned 39. I try not to cry so I just hug Lauren and we tell each other "Happy Birthday Daddy, We love you very much"! I tell Lauren stories of us and of you all the time. She has your eyes and I see that sparkle in her eyes that I used to see in yours. Lauren and I love you and miss you dearly!

Love,
Lila & Lauren

Lila Whaltey
wife

December 9, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 3, 2007

Agent Whatley,
Today is the ninth anniversary of your EOW. Thank you for having the extraordinary courage to choose a career that is demanding, often thankless and constantly precarious. You DID make a difference.

Pennsylvania citizen

August 20, 2007

Uncle Marc, may you rest in peace. Oh, and my dad still has your bass guitar. It's safe. But it will always be yours. I love you, and miss you dearly.

Jamie Whatley.
My Uncle.

June 12, 2007

To my dearest uncle Marc, may you rest in peace. I know your in Heaven looking down on us and keeping our family safe. I would like to thank you for always being there for us. You were such a wonderful person of what i can remember, but i remember you. Oh, and your bass guitar is safe. My dad still has it put up. But it will always be yours.

Jamie Whatley.
My Uncle.

June 12, 2007