Warren Settles Whatley Sr. (1916-2008), a master carpenter, builder, and decorated World War II Army veteran, was a prominent figure in Atlanta's construction industry. Mr. Whatley learned the trade of carpentry and construction from his father, Plemon Leon Whatley Sr., which he later used to support his education at Fort Valley State University and Morehouse College, where he played football on an athletic scholarship. During World War II, Mr. Whatley contributed to defense projects across the South and played a role in constructing the Tuskegee Army Airfield, utilized by the renowned Tuskegee Airmen. Drafted into the Army after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he earned accolades including the Victory Medal and two bronze stars. Following the war, Mr. Whatley, along with his brothers Charles and Plemon Leon Jr. (1914-1995), established Whatley and Whatley Construction Company, a pioneering business that left a lasting impact on Atlanta's landscape. Whatley and Whatley Construction Company was the first black construction company contracted by the City of Atlanta’s Housing Authority. A result of policies implemented by former Mayor of Atlanta Maynard Jackson, which included the employment of the first black female construction worker. The firm built numerous structures, including the city's first black private hospital named after William A. Harris and over 250 homes, notably in Collier Heights. In December 1939, Mr. Whatley met Frances Davis Whatley (1918-2007), whom he married in January 1949. After his discharge from the Army, they settled in Atlanta and raised three children: Warren Settles Whatley Jr., Lynn Hugh Whatley, and Paula Lone Whatley. He passed away in October 2008.