Russell “RJ” Whitley, 21, of Sweet Home, passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2025. He was born November 3, 2003, to Leon and Debra (Dewater) Whitley in Seattle, Washington.

He lived in Washington until 2007 then moved to Sweet Home. RJ graduated from Sweet Home High School. He attended Sweet Home Christian Church. His biggest contribution was his heart to the Sweet Home community. He enjoyed helping out at the fair share gleaners.

RJ loved to play video games, board games and do word search puzzles. He liked to sing with no tune, listen to music and humming. He also liked to play with RC cars.

He is survived by his grandma Doris Sparhawk of Sweet Home; sister Alisha Whitley, brother in law Kenny of Port Angeles, Washington and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Debra Whitley (2009), father Leon Whitley (2024), grandpa Bud Sparhawk (2010), grandma Juanita Hamby.

A celebration of life will be 11 am, Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Sweet Home Christian Church, 1825 Long St. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com.