James Robert Whitley

James Robert Whitley, 84, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston Salem, NC.

Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Kay, of 60 years, daughter, Michele (TW) of Winston Salem, NC, son, Randy (Lisa) of Nashville, TN, grandchildren Joshua Bailey (Rebekah), Joseph Bailey (fiancé Sarah), Hannah Whitley and great-grandson, Griffin Bailey. James was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Blannie Whitley of Woodland, NC and his brother, Tommy of Virginia Beach, VA.

James was born on March 23, 1940, and grew up in Woodland, NC. He graduated from Campbell College where he met Kay, the love of his life. He was later called into the ministry and attended Beth Haven Bible College in Kentucky. After graduating he pastored several churches. He then went to Rodeheaver Boys Ranch in Florida ministering to boys in need until retiring and moving to North Carolina. After moving to North Carolina, he worked part-time at CarMax in Winston Salem shuttling customers. He continued to minister to people all around him even while his health declined.

A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Union Grove Baptist Church, 2295 Union Grove Road, Lexington, NC where James was a member. The service will take place at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Josh Evans and Pastor TW Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home of Winston Salem, NC https://www.trellissupport.org/content/ways-give who lovingly took care of him until his passing or Union Grove Baptist Church’s Forward in Faith Fund https://www.ugbchurch.net/forward .

Davidson Funeral Home Hickory Tree Chapel is serving the Whitley Family