Rick Whaley obituary: Singer, songwriter passes away in Pensacola, FL

Publish date: 2024-05-22

Flora-Bama Lounge & Package is reeling from the sudden loss of one of its most cherished entertainers and songwriters, Rick Whaley, a charismatic singer hailing from Mays Landing, New Jersey. The music world mourns the passing of this talented soul, who succumbed to a medical condition on Friday morning in Pensacola, Florida, leaving behind a legacy that resonates through his music and spirit.

Rick Whaley’s wife, Sherri Whalen, shared the heartbreaking news, expressing her grief, “My sweet Rick went to see his dad, mom, sister and brother in Heaven this morning. I can only imagine the sweet greeting he received and the beautiful sounds of the angels singing. I’m going to miss him terribly. He was the love of my life and I was so blessed to have him. We will hold a wonderful Celebration of his Life at a future date. I’ll post the details at another time.”

A proud alumnus of Oakcrest High School, Rick Whaley’s musical journey was intertwined with the very fabric of Flora-Bama Lounge & Package. In a heartfelt tribute, the venue mourned the loss, stating, “The Main Room will never be quite the same without the captivating smile and awe-inspiring, melodic charisma of Rick Whaley. For nearly forty years we’ve had the priceless blessing of witnessing an unparalleled talent mesmerize audiences with a thunderous voice and spectacular instrumentation.”

Dallas Moore shared a post on fbon the death of Rick:

With the Heaviest of Hearts I’m waking up on the West Coast to the saddest of news that my Hero, Champion and Friend ( and King of The Gulf Coast ) the incomparable Rick Whaley has passed on to take his Earthly talents Into the Mystic.
Thank You Rick for a Lifelong Legacy of Music and Memories.
All of our Love and Prayers are with his beloved Wife Sherri Whalen.
Godspeed Old Friend. Live Forever…
📷 Shelley Patterson
Flora-Bama Lounge & Package

Rick’s musical genius and extraordinary stage presence were showcased not just in his solo performances but also in renowned bands like Southwind and the Perdido Brothers. Flora-Bama Lounge hailed his remarkable musicianship as legendary, underscoring the depth of his impact on everyone who had the privilege of witnessing his artistry.

Even as the stage may no longer bear his physical presence, Rick Whaley’s legacy will reverberate through the melodies he created and the hearts he touched. Flora-Bama mourns the loss of a true gentleman and musical genius, extending their heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. In the memories of his enchanting performances, Rick Whaley will forever remain a cherished figure, his music echoing in the corridors of Flora-Bama Lounge & Package.

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