Pastor Robert "Bird" Whitley, Sr.

Pastor Robert Earl Whitley, Sr (United States Veteran) was born on September 8, 1955, in Mason, Tennessee, to the late Charlie Gray Whitley and Arthur Mae Warford Whitley. 

To those who knew him in his younger years, he was affectionately known as “Bird,” a nickname that remained with him among childhood friends throughout his life. Pastor Whitley leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 38 years, Carol Owens Whitley; four children: Stacey Whitley of Memphis, Tennessee; Robert E. Whitley, Jr. (Layla Brown) of Nashville, Tennessee; Kimberly Griffin-Murray (William Murray) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Randy Whitley (Crystal Miller) of Brownsville, Tennessee. 

His legacy continues through his seven grandchildren: Donald Perry, LaShea Perry, Aiden Fleming, Mkhai Whitley, Khari Whitley, Zamora Whitley, and Randy Miller Jr.; and three great-grandchildren. 

Pastor Whitley was one of thirteen siblings. He leaves to cherish his memory his brothers, Saul (Vicky) Whitley of Mason, Tennessee; Arthur Lee Hall of Buffalo, New York; and Paul Whitley of Blytheville, Arkansas; and his sister, Gloria Whitley of Mason, Tennessee. 

Pastor Whitley also shared a special bond with his sisters-in-law, Kathy Hurd, Lillie V. Patterson, Josie Patterson, Leslia Patterson, and Yolonda Patterson; his brother-in-law, Willie Patterson Jr.; and his aunt-in-law, Lavanderious Owens. They loved him dearly and demonstrated that love through their faithful presence and assistance in his care during his illness. 

He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends, members of the community, and his beloved Good Hope Baptist Church family to cherish his memory. 

In addition to his parents, Pastor Whitley was preceded in death by his brothers, C.J. Whitley, Rosed Maclin Jr., Anthony Clark, Willie Frank Whitley, and Clarence Whitley; and his sisters, Pauline Whitley Richardson, Charlene Shipes, and Mary Hodge.