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Funeral plans announced for 11-year-old killed in Paulding County home – 95.5 WSB

PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. – The family of a Paulding County 11-year-old who was shot to death in his home on April 29 announced plans for his funeral Friday morning.

According to family, Zander Whatley of Douglasville was shot and killed when one or more gunmen opened fire on his home in Paulding County.

The Hal Hutchens Elementary School fifth-grader was described as a proud member of student council and an athlete.

In addition to his sports activities, Whatley loved “the Lord, singing, TikTok, school, his family and his friends.”

Family members said Whatley played soccer, baseball and football.

A balloon release will be held in Whatley’s honor at Rockmart High School on Cartersville Highway on Friday at 6 p.m. According to the family, there will be a public viewing before the balloon launch from noon to 6 p.m.

A celebration of life and memorial service for Whatley will be held Saturday, what would have been his 12th birthday.

A second public viewing will be held at 1 p.m. in the Rockmart High School gymnasium, followed by a service at 2 p.m. at the high school.

Whatley’s family is asking anyone with information about his death to help law enforcement catch those responsible by contacting the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office at 770-443-3047.