Robert Lee "Bob" Whitley, of Jesup, Ga. died of natural causes on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at UF Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla. surrounded by family. Bob was a beloved family man who enjoyed fishing and staying active. Even at the age of 89, he was an active employee at The Press-Sentinel, Wayne County's local newspaper. He was the treasurer and a member of Northside Bible Baptist Church in Jesup for many years. Born on April 3, 1935, in Brunswick, Ga., Bob was the first child of Perry Lee and Virgie Mae (Williamson) Whitley. He graduated in 1953 from Screven High School, then served in the National Guard from 1954 until his honorable discharge in 1963. He moved to Jesup in 1978 where he lived the remainder of his life. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers Harold, Perry, Earl, and George.

Bob is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Dorothy "Dot" Whitley of Jesup, and his children, Robb (Michelle) Whitley of St. George, Richard (Brenda) Whitley of Bristol, and Alecia (Ian) Short and Alanna Whitley, both of Jesup. His legacy also includes his grandchildren, Amanda (Chris) Burnham of Glen St. Mary, Fla. and Clint (Kristin) Conner of Callahan, Fla. as well as his great-grandsons Ridge Lundy, Heath Whitley Conner, Ashton Burnham, and Myles Conner. Bob is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Funeral services will be Sunday, January 5, at 3:00pm at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bill Forde officiating. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Lamar Whitley, Eric Denty, Clint Conner, Chris Burnham, David Dyal, Ridge Dyal, Harley Tapley, and Nicholas Bottoms. Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of The Press-Sentinel, Bob Brantley, and Archie Boatright.

Family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 p.m. prior to services at the funeral home.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.