Robert “Bob” Ivan Whitley, 87, of Smithfield, Va. passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. He is the son of the late James Whitley Andrew and Mary Hardy Turner. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Marianna Norfleet Whitley; and brothers, John Hardy Whitley, Henry James Whitley, and Emmett Massey Whitley.

He is survived by his son, Robert Whitley II (Ruth); daughter, Leslie Whitley Garber (John); granddaughters, Stephanie Lee (Stephen); Kelly Whitley (Jamison Clarke); grandson, Jacob Q. Garber; great grandson, Luke Michael Lee; and brother, Dennis Gordan Whitley.

Bob was born on March 27, 1934 in Windsor, Va. After graduating from Windsor High School in 1952, he attended electronic classes offered by the College of William and Mary’s VPI extension technical school.   His electronic training prepared him for his life-long career beginning with General Electric in Waynesboro,Va, later with Genicom, and ending with Datacom in McAllan, Tx. Bob also served his county when he was drafted into the Army in 1956 and was stationed in Frankfurt Germany.  Bob was known by many as a loving family man and a man with many talents who enjoyed helping others.

His memorial service will be held Saturday, March 19, 2022, 2:00 pm at Smithfield Baptist Church, 100 Wainwright Dr. Smithfield, Va. 23430. A reception will follow. A private interment will take place at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Veterans Cemetery. R.W. Baker & Company is serving the family. Online condolences may be left at RWBakerFH.com.