Robert "Bob" E. Whitestine Jr.'s Obituary
WHITESTINE, Robert “Bob” E. Jr., age 81, of Waynesville, passed away Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Raleigh, North Carolina. His daughter Lora, son-in-law Tom and beloved pet Scoby were by his side.
Bob was born in Akron, Ohio, where he grew up. Although short in stature, he played football and was very proud of being named to the All-City Team. After high school, Bob began work as a typesetter before enlisting in the United States Navy. In total, he served 34 combined years for his country, including six active years in the United States Navy, two years Navy Reserve, and 16 active years in the United States Air Force. After officially retiring, he worked an additional ten years as a civilian for the Air Force at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.
He and his wife Betty married in 1979 and built a full life together that started in Kettering, Ohio, before moving to their home in Waynesville, Ohio. He was an active community member throughout his life and was proud of his time spent as a member of the Horace A. Irvin Masonic Lodge #647, Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, Antioch Shrine Club, and the Waynesville American Legion Post 615.
Throughout his life, Bob was outspoken, hardworking, and persistent. A no-nonsense kind of guy who made conversation with others easily. He was frugal by nature and credits his wife Betty for encouraging him to complete home renovations independently or with the help of family. He enjoyed woodworking during his younger years. He finished most projects but never did finish that dang dry sink. He and his family joked about that for years. He always spent time in his computer room, as he called it, throughout his life. He loved to print family pictures and jokes. He became an avid billiards player in retirement, often playing in tournaments. He loved country music, and he was fascinated with the possibility of extraterrestrial life. You could also often find him watching the history channel and anything on ancient civilizations and technologies.
His love of animals never wavered. He and his wife Betty always had a cat or dog to care for around the house. For the last two years of his life, he found great joy in caring for his daughter’s dog, Scoby, who he spoiled thoroughly. He also enjoyed visiting animal shelters simply to comfort the animals with treats. He will be remembered for these and many other things, including his love of wrapping Christmas presents and his ever-present suspenders, flannel shirts, and Levi’s.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty, in 2016; his parents Robert Sr. and Mary Whitestine; brother William Whitestine; and sister Robin Lee Harvey. He is survived by his daughter Lora (Tom) Mills; son Jack Whitestine; two step-daughters, Michele (Jeff) Dove and Rochelle (Mark) Culver; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, May 21, 2022, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. Celebrant Katie Mackoway will be officiating the services. The family will receive friends 11 AM - 1 PM Saturday at the funeral home. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
Memorials may be made to the Dementia Alliance of North Carolina: https://dementianc.org/ or the SPCA of Wake County: https://spcawake.org/
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