Rick Whorley

Ricky "Rick" Whorley, age 71, passed away on December 5, 2025, at his home in Carnesville, Georgia.

Rick was born in Richmond, Virginia, on February 16, 1954, to Everette Whorley and Virginia Shelton Whorley. Rick married Dr. Judy Jarecki-Black on 01 June 2013. Rick had a lifelong passion for caring for animals. He and his wife founded Casa de Esperanza, an animal sanctuary located on their farm in Carnesville, where they devoted countless hours to nurturing, rehabilitating, and sheltering cats, dogs, and horses in need. Rick believed every animal deserved dignity, comfort, and compassion, and it brought him great joy to see the animals they rescued receive the love and attention they deserved. His dedication made a lasting impact on the community and on the many lives of both humans and animals that he touched.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Everette and Virginia Whorley of Richmond, Virginia, and his brother, Ronnie Whorley of Richmond, Virginia.

Rick is survived by his wife, Dr. Judy Jarecki-Black of Carnesville, Georgia; step-sons Massai & Jenny Jarecki of Bogart, Georgia, Justin Bell of Royston, Georgia, Patrick & Whitney Hand of Decatur, Georgia, Ian & Jessica Black of Athens, Georgia, Nicholas & Theresa Black of Nashville, Tennessee, Cellaigh & Brantley Harrington Corbitt of Athens, Georgia, and Jamarcus Highsmith of Elberton, Georgia. Grandchildren include Christian Jarecki, Jackson White, Jillian Jarecki, David Jarecki, Eliot Hand, Emily Hand, Leila Black, Charles Black, and Oscar Black. He is also survived by his niece, Bethany Whorley.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rick's honor to Commerce Veterinary Hospital, located at 1012 S. Broad St., Commerce, GA 30529, to assist with the cost of caring for animals, a cause that was near and dear to Rick's heart.