Obituary for Brian D. Whitley

Condolence From: Dianne Martin, Canal Winchester, OH
Condolence: Visits with Brian were always the bright spot in my day. I always left with a smile on my face. What a talented and artistic individual. You will be missed.

Condolence From: Joe Cassano, New Orleans, Louisiana
Condolence: I'm so sorry to hear the news. I went to Wright State with Brian. He was a great filmmaker, a mentor, and a friend. I'll always cherish the times we spent working together. Brian played a pivotal role in getting me to where I am today. He will be missed.

Condolence From: Jessica Smith, Columbus, Ohio
Condolence: Sending love to Brian’s family. He had fun loving personality that couldn’t help fill the room with laughter (even if sometimes inappropriate). I was fortunate to work with him in our younger years at several theaters and more recently still see him around as my neighbor and friend. I know I’ll think of him every time I see a scary movie.

Condolence From: Steven Bognar, Yellow Springs, OH
Condolence: Julia Reichert (one of Brian's professors at Wright State University's film program) and I wish to send our sincere and saddened condolences to the Whitley Family. Brian was a wonderful, exuberant, driven and talented filmmaker, and a joyful presence in the community of filmmakers and film students around Wright State. His generosity of spirit was as palpable as his passion for film was infectious. He inspired others to do and make meaningful, professional and ambitious work. Yet for all his drive, he was also a kind and good person. We shall miss him.

Condolence From: Kim Toler, New Market, MD
Condolence: I had the privilege of meeting Brian when my family moved to Westerville my Sophomore year in high school. I have such fond memories of our time together in marching band, homecomings, proms and spending time with friends. His smile could light up a room and I can still hear his laugh. The world was a better place with Brian in it. Sending love to his family and friends who, I know, are missing him dearly.

Condolence From: Valiant Kibler Jr, Westerville, Ohio
Condolence: My deepest Condolences go to Dan,Amanda,Landon,and Trinity.So sorry for the loss of Brian. He always lit up the room in the year I got to know all of you.Hugs and love to you all and it was my privilege to get to know you. God Bless

Condolence From: Valiant Kibler Jr, Westerville, Ohio
Condolence: Brian always brighten up the room with his personality. I was lucky enough to get know him and his great family over the last year. My deepest condolences go out to Dan,Amanda,Trinity,and Landon. Love to all of you.

Condolence From: Brooke Page Worster, McArthur, OH
Condolence: Brian and I worked together at AMC for years. He was an awesome friend and co-worker. I can honestly say that some of the shenanigans we got in together are some of my foundest memories. This world was a better place with him. My heart aches for his family.

Condolence From: Jessica Smith, Columbus, OH
Condolence: Sending love to Brian’s family. He had fun loving personality that couldn’t help fill the room with laughter (even if sometimes inappropriate). I was fortunate to work with him in our younger years at several theaters and more recently still see him around as my neighbor and friend. I know I’ll think of him every time I see a scary movie.

Condolence From: Shane Howard, Columbus, OH
Condolence: The last two movies I made were co-written by Brian. His encyclopedic knowledge and appreciation for cinema were legendary. I don't know that I can even imagine a better partner in creativity. I will miss him.

Condolence From: Dan Hothem, Columbus, OH
Condolence: I worked with Brian back in the early 2000's at AMC Theatres. Brian was always smiling and laughing working in a place that could be difficult at times. It was a delight to work with him and a pleasure to know him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family.

Condolence From: Terry Valentine, Columbus, Ohio
Condolence: We met Brian several years ago through the bar scene. He was always happy go lucky & with a great sense of humor. The Life of the Party. Sympathy to his family and may he Rest In Peace.

Condolence From: Jeremy Smith, Galena, OH
Condolence: Brian was a great friend who will be truly missed. He always knew how to light up a room with his presence and could keep us entertained with his energy. I am glad that I was able to work closely with him and call him my friend.

Condolence From: Kerry Wintrich, Mount Gilead, OH
Condolence: Brian was a beautiful rainbow of light in my life for many years. He will be greatly missed. I am so sorry. My hearts breaking for your family.

Condolence From: Julia & Steve Reichert Bognar, Yellow Springs, OH
Condolence: We are deeply saddened and shocked to hear this news. Brian was a creative and ambitious young filmmaker with so much to offer. He was a shining light in his years at Wright State University, and the films he made with Alex Esber and their teams were rich and cinematic. Our sincere condolences to Brian's family and friends. - Julia and Steve

Condolence From: Trinity Hassey, Westerville, Ohio
Condolence: My uncle fro was such a fun person to be around. He will be missed so much by not only myself but our friends and family. I will never forget watching horror movies and going over there every weekend and having our movie nights. I can truly say it won’t be the same without you. I love you lots ❤️

Condolence From: Bryan Green, Land O Lakes, FL
Condolence: I'll miss Brian and so sad his life was cut short. He was a good friend and I know it must be a great loss to his family. He was the type of person people wanted to be around and the world is a lesser place without him.

Condolence From: Jill McGovern, Estero, Florida
Condolence: Brian I am truly going to miss you you were a amazing cousin that always took time to make people laugh I will look up to the sky to see all three of you Grandma, Aunt Vicki and now you