Dr. Robert "Bob" Riley Whitley

Dr. Robert Riley Whitley “Bob” passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Reidsville with Rev, Wes Pitts officiating. Graveside to follow at Greenview Cemetery.

Bob was born on February 22, 1943, in Wadesboro, North Carolina, to the late Thomas Harrison Whitley and Robbie Jean Lowry Whitley. Growing up alongside his older brother, he developed a lifelong love of sports and animals—especially his beloved dog, Tuffy. He was an Eagle Scout and a competitive athlete. He played baseball, basketball, and was quarterback on the football team for the Bartlett Yancey Bucs. Bob was an avid fan of the UNC Tar Heels and the New York Yankees throughout his life.

He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he was a Morehead Scholar, graduating in just three years before continuing directly to medical school. It was during his early medical career that he met the love of his life, Denice Shorter. They married a year later and shared a loving and joyful life together.

Bob proudly served his country as a physician in the United States Air Force, caring for soldiers returning from Vietnam. While stationed at McGuire Air Force Base, he and Denice formed lifelong friendships and began raising their family.

A deeply compassionate physician, Bob dedicated his career to caring for others. He served the Reidsville community as part of the “Creek Doctors” at Belmont Medical Associates. He also held the role of Medical Director for the American Tobacco Company, where he developed a deep respect for the hardworking individuals he served. In addition, he contributed his time as a longtime member of the Board of Directors for Wachovia. He was also a devout Christian serving as an Elder for the church for many years.

Bob was also a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous, where he generously shared his experiences, strength, and hope, and supported others on their journeys. He gave back in a meaningful way through his service on the Board of Directors at Fellowship Hall, an organization close to his heart.

Above all, Bob was devoted to his family. He and Denice raised three daughters, who were his pride and joy. He cherished every moment with them especially family beach trips to the TOBO in Oak Island. He was overjoyed to welcome each of his eight grandchildren. After retiring, he fully embraced his role as a constant and enthusiastic presence in their lives—attending every ball game, recital, ceremony, and graduation. He was always early, firmly believing that “if you’re not five minutes early, you’re late,” and could often be found proudly wearing a matching sweatshirt in support of his grandchildren. He was immensely proud of each and every one of them.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Harrison Whitley and Robbie Jean Lowry Whitley; his brother, Thomas Harrison Whitley, Jr. “Tommy”; his daughter, Robin Lowry Whitley; and his granddaughter, Robin Elizabeth Hooper.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Denice Shorter Whitley; his daughters, Caroline Whitley Askew (Mike), Lowry Whitley Hill (Jeff), and Holt Whitley Hooper (Billy); his eight grandchildren, Ann Margaret Askew, Whitley Askew, Aidan Askew, Jackson Hill, Vance Hooper, Kate Hill, Archie Hooper, and Carter Askew; and his sister-in-law Jennifer Watkins Whitley.

Bob will be deeply missed and remembered as a loving father, grandfather, husband, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church of Reidsville for the Robin Lowry Whitley/Robin Elizabeth Hooper Scholarship Fund.