DRAKESBORO – Harold Ray “Speedy” Whitney, 83, of Drakesboro, was called home to be with the Lord on February 17, 2011 following a long illness. Mr. Whitney was born March 25, 1927 in Beech Creek, KY. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving during World War II, and was stationed in Panama. He was a member of Beech Creek Missionary Baptist Church, and he committed his life to the Lord in 2005. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Dorothy Gill Whitney; parents Bill and Lizzie Whitney; and three brothers and two sisters. Mr. Whitney was a coal miner for over 30 years. He was a member of the Mine Safety and Rescue team, which won various awards including the National award in 1975. He was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed golf, baseball, softball, bowling, fishing and hunting. He coached baseball and softball. In his early years, he was asked to sign a contract to pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was instrumental in organizing and coaching the first Little League baseball team of Beech Creek. Survivors include his children, Janice (Richard) Wood, Cary (Kathy) Whitney, Pam Ford, Sudith (David) Morris, and Lisa (Tim) Johnson; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and a sister, Willie Vinson. Funeral services will be Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 2:00pm at Tucker Beechmont Funeral Home, with Rev. Chad Clark officiating assisted by Rev. Don Piper. Burial in Hazel Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday after 6:00PM at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Beech Creek Missionary Baptist Church, 50 Church Loop, Beech Creek, KY 42321 or Hughes-Kirk Scholarship Fund, College Height Foundation, c/o Betty Steele, 7273 St. Rt. 1163, Beech Creek, KY 42321, in memory of Dorothy and Harold Whitney. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.