The funeral arrangements for the 11-year-old Paulding County boy, who tragically lost his life in a shooting inside his own home on April 29, have been announced by his grieving family.
Zander Whatley of Douglasville was tragically killed when unknown individuals opened fire on his home in Paulding County, as reported by his family.
The fifth grader at Hal Hutchens Elementary School was known for being a proud member of the Student Council and an athlete.
Whatley was an active participant in a variety of sports, including soccer, baseball, and football, according to his family.
Whatley had a deep passion for various activities, including sports, singing, TikTok, school, his family, and his friends. His love for the Lord was also an integral part of his life.
A balloon release is scheduled to take place on Friday in honor of Whatley at Rockmart High School on Cartersville Highway at 6 p.m. The family has also announced that there will be a public viewing prior to the balloon release, starting from noon and continuing until 6 p.m.
A celebration of life and funeral service for Whatley has been scheduled for Saturday, coinciding with what would have been his 12th birthday.
The community will have another chance to pay their respects with a second public viewing scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Rockmart High School Gymnasium. Following the viewing, a service will be held at 2 p.m. at the high school, allowing friends, family, and community members to come together and honor the memory of the deceased.
