MSgt Robert "Bob" E. L. Whitley, Jr., USAF, Retired, born August 24, 1942 in Rich Square, North Carolina, passed away at home in the presence of loved ones on September 20th at the age of 79 from lung cancer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sammye Dianne Whitley of Pascagoula, MS; parents, Robert & Inez Whitley of Rich Square, NC; sister, Reba Hayden of Virginia Beach, VA; brother, William "Billy" Whitley of Lasker, NC; niece, Audrey Hayden; and nephew, James Phillips. He is survived by children, Robin Ann Buchanan (Gene), Paige Michelle Allen (Coby), Shawn Edward Whitley (Juanita); grandchildren, Stefanie Ponson Saenz (Andrew), Nicholas Buchanan (Katie), Victoria Allen, Aaron Whitley, Justin Whitley, Joshua Whitley, and Makayla Whitley; great grandchildren, Haley Ponson, Abby Buchanan, and Lucas Buchanan; sisters, Joan Lassiter (Calvin) and Betty Jean Baugham, both of Lasker, NC; nieces, Reba Hatcher, Christy Lassiter, Tracy Sykes, Suzanne Amigo, Emmy New, and Whitley Baugham; nephews, Randall Phillips, Dale Phillips, Jim Hayden, Kevin Lassiter, Robbie Lassiter, William Whitley, and Jay Baugham: and many loved ones, including his partner Nancy Barker and sister-in-law Brenda Whitley.
MSgt Robert "Bob" E. L. Whitley, Jr. served his nation well through 23 years of active duty in the United States Air Force, including a year in Thailand during the Vietnam War, and 20 years in civil service. His expertise in personnel management included many temporary duty tours with briefings at the Pentagon. For three years, he was a Military Training Instructor. He served the fallen through his participation in the Honor Guard. After a short retirement, Bob worked for ASM Research. His career experience earned him many hours towards a bachelor’s degree at Texas State University.
According to his active duty release form, MSgt Whitley was awarded the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one service star, the NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon with one oak leaf cluster, and the Army Good Conduct Medal. He was also awarded the AF Longevity Service Ribbon with four oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two service stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. More awards include the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, the AF Outstanding Unit Award with one silver and one bronze oak leaf clusters, the AF Outstanding Unit Award with “V” Device, the AF Good Conduct Medal with one silver oak leaf cluster, and the AF Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters. MSgt Whitley earned the Meritorious Service Medal. Though a decorated veteran, you would never know it by his humility.
Known to his family as "Pop", Bob enjoyed playing golf, traveling, and watching sports. He loved to build wooden shadow boxes in the garage. He deeply loved his family and friends, and it showed through his cooking. “Whitley Thanksgiving” was a favorite! He was kind and generous. With a good sense of humor, he could be mischievous. A bit of a perfectionist, Bob strongly believed that if a person is going to do something, they should do it right the first time. He had many virtues, but he would be the first to admit that patience wasn’t one of them. He loved living, laughing, and looking for the positive in life. Holidays were a favorite time for Bob.
In his young life, Bob liked to hunt, fish, and play sports. He farmed with his uncles during the summer. His sister, Betty Jean, said of the five, Bob was their mother’s favorite.
As a young family man, Bob would tend bar at the club on base after military duties in order to provide for his family. He served his community as a volunteer firefighter.
In later years, Bob served his wife, Dianne Whitley, through 55 years of marriage and became her caregiver when her health declined prior to her death on December 25, 2018. Together they modeled love, commitment, faithfulness, and integrity. They reared their children in a secure, conservative, Christian home with traditional family values. They sacrificed much for their children. Dad said he couldn’t have asked for better kids. They were proud of their whole family.
In his last two years, Bob found companionship, love, and laughter in his partner, Nancy Barker. They enjoyed going to the beach, dining with friends, traveling, shopping, watching movies, and being “on the go”. Sometimes they would spend the day cooking in the kitchen. In his last few months, Bob found great comfort in her constant presence and care.
Friends have called Bob a southern gentleman, a true patriot, and a man of honor. They knew him as a good and fair man. A true leader, he was always strong. With a lot of common sense, he had no patience for foolishness. Having a large circle of influence, Bob impacted the lives of many people. His closest friends, Jim Russell and Terry Wallace, were lifelong friends. Others include Bob Hey, John Vest, Denny Kirkpatrick, and many military buddies.
As a Christian, Bob enjoyed church. Reared in the baptist church, he was baptized at age eleven. He was not afraid to die and often said death is a part of life. He was assured of his salvation through his faith in Jesus Christ. He appreciated prayer, especially before his passing. Though he didn’t discuss it much, his faith meant a lot to him. In his last three days, after fighting cancer for over two years, he was ready to go home and be with the Lord. He was at peace about where his spirit would go. For loved ones, it was hard to watch a giant fall. Favorite hymns included “Closer Walk with Thee” and "Amazing Grace”.
Bob was a wonderful and much loved man who will be greatly missed. Betty Jean says it well with, “my brother Bob was a light and hero to everyone who knew him. There’s a reunion in Heaven with Dianne and our mom, Inez. I love my brother. There is a huge hole in everyone’s heart, including his children and grandchildren.”
A visitation will begin on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Hwy, 78218 with a Chapel service to be held at 2:00 p.m. Please join us as we honor MSgt Robert E. L. Whitley, Jr., USAF, Retired as he is interred with the military honors due to him at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 9:15am. Flowers are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations made in the name of Robert E. Whitley, Jr. to the American Cancer Society are appreciated.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18