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Royer Funeral Home - Grain Valley

100 Royer Lane

Grain Valley, Missouri

William Whitley Obituary

Dr. William Edward Whitley, 73, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away peacefully Monday, October 23, 2017, at his home after a battle with cancer.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at Royer Funeral Home, 100 Royer Lane, Grain Valley. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Blue Springs Cemetery following services.

Dr. Whitley started his medical practice 46 years ago. If Dr. Whitley could speak today he would say "I tried to do the best that I could for as many as I could for as long as I could and that he loved his family."

Dr. Whitley leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Kathy (Beets) Whitley; son, William "Bubba" (Tamara) Whitley; daughters, Micha (William) Pugh, Sasha (Kyle) Grabenstetter, Ticha (Billy) Foutz and Kasha (David) Dawson; grandchildren, Nick Whitley, Foster Pugh, Brock Pugh, Trevor Pugh, Michaela Pugh, Landry Foutz and Markus Grabenstetter; brother, Paul (Janet) Whitley; and many other family members, close friends and patients.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, 816-847-4441.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Examiner on Oct. 25, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for William Whitley

Sponsored by Royer Funeral Home - Grain Valley.

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Jerrold Snead

October 20, 2020

It doesn't seem possible my doctor and friend has left us to grow old without him. I have reached Doc's age now and realize I would have been gone years ago had it not been for his keen observance and immediate task of doing a surgery on a cancerous melanoma on my back which was in the first stage. I can and will always be thankful for he allowed me to see two more grand children graduate from college. God bless you Doctor Whitley and to all of your loved ones.

Jerrold Snead

October 19, 2019

A year has past and it seems like yesterday that I was in his office having my quarterly check up. This morning reminded me of one of many professional suggestions he gave me on diet for my diabetes. I dry fried two eggs and had a whole wheat slice of toast with glass of skin milk. This was one of many suggestions for diabetic foods that Dr Whitley gave me over the years. His personal and sensible suggestions will never be forgotten as long as I live. God bless you and your family.

Janet Duckworth

March 16, 2018

Working for Dr. Whitley was always a positive experience in the office. I typed for him and he was always happy; he never lectured and seemed to understand people. He had a great personality as well as with his office Staff. I just heard of his passing and I am so deeply sorry. I will always remember this fine gentleman as one of the most decoratively positive doctors I have ever met.

January 26, 2018

My husband and I started seeing him when we moved to Blue Springs in 1977, when he was younger than our oldest child is now. We feel as though he helped raise our two. He became more than our doctor; he was our friend . . . family. It saddens us that we just now (1/26/18) learned of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Janice Dowdy

November 6, 2017

So sorry to hear of Dr Whitley's death. He got me thru 30 years as his patient. We had many interesting discussions. He will be greatly missed.

Henry Green

November 3, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

William Shaw

November 2, 2017

Dr Whitley,helped myself and family,many years,not only medically,he took time to talk about how your family was and any fatherly advice you needed,very loving man,I will miss him,always gave himself to others God Blessed us with his hands of love,

With sincere regards
William Shaw

connie grover

November 1, 2017

You were our doctor and friend for many many years, i am very sorry to hear this. Sending our deepest condolences to your family. RIP my friend.

Sheila Demoss

October 31, 2017

I was so sorry to learn of Dr. Whitley's passing. My family was treated by him for 30 years and each one of us loved and adored him. He often spoke about his children and was so proud of them. I was so blessed to have know him and will miss him terribly. My prayers to all of his family. He was my hero!

October 30, 2017

Dr. Whitley was our Dr. and friend for over 38 years, We always loved him and will miss him. The Thompson family. May God bless the family.

Gary Stoecklein

October 30, 2017

To the family and friends, William was my go to guy for decades, since 1971 or so, I grew up just south of the house on Main Street. Mom took me to his house once when I was injured in a baseball game on a Saturday night about 1973. Those were the days and he was the soothing soul for a frightened young boy like me. Always gave me good advise through the years, let me make my own choices and probably why I am healthy today, "if it comes in a bag or a box, it's probably not good for you". I think of him every time I am making selections in the grocery store or salad bar. God Bless him, he was a true community servant and friend that so few can measure up to. RIP William, when my time comes, I will look you up...

October 29, 2017

Doc Whitley was my health provider when he was in a old house in Blue Springs just starting his practice, I knew from the start he was a caring man his first remark too me was "I am afraid someone will come through the door dying from an apparent heart attack and I couldn't save him" so from then on he was my Doctor and a great one. R.I.P.

Jim Turner Buckner Mo

Loretta & Terry Lindsey

October 29, 2017

Dr. Whitley will very much missed. He was a wonderful doctor to so many in our family. We have lost a very good friend also. To his Cathy and his children, we send our deepest sorrow.

Kathryn Brockhoff

October 29, 2017

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Daniel Spyers

October 29, 2017

I'm going to miss you Doc. You were my doctor since I was five years old...I'm now 31. During that span, I got to know you as a person, and what a wonderful person you were. You helped me with career advice, relationship advice and so many more additional ways outside of medicine. You were my friend. While my heart hurts for your family, I am comforted by the thought of you not suffering any longer. Heaven sure got a bit healthier! Thanks for all you did for us, I will never forget you or the positive effect you had in my life. Until I need a checkup in heaven, take care my friend.

Kevin & Laurie Smith

October 29, 2017

Dr. Whitley was more than my Doctor, he was a Dear Friend. He always made time for you, he listened and gave excellent advise. He took excellent care of me and my family for many years. Prayers to him and his family. You will be missed, but always in our hearts. Until we meet again.

Roger & Jacquie Villers

October 27, 2017

Our sincerest condolences to Kathy his wife, whom I went to high school with, and his entire family! Dr Whitley was a great man. He was a man of great wisdom. He definitely had time for others. He told my husband and I many times, he would never retire. Only because he loved taking care of his patients. He definitely was not a fan of Obama Care lol. He doesn't have to worry anymore about what this world is coming to. He is in a better place. He is in Paradise! Until we meet again... RIP Doc Whitley

Tobie Anderson

October 26, 2017

I was very fortunate in that I was one of doc's patients and later become part of the office staff. I was also very lucky to become friends with Kathy Lynne. I am praying for God to give you peace and to keep you held in his arms. Doc. was one on a million, he had time for everyone. And now God has received one of his finest servants. Rest well, we will be with soon. Love to the entire family. Treasure your many memories of an amazing angel.

Lynda Clarke

October 26, 2017

He will be missed. Prayers for the family. Lynda Clarke.

Aaron Kreiling

October 26, 2017

Dr. Whitley was a long time family friend, and my family doctor even prior to my birth. He delivered me 40 years ago. My grandmother Patty painted some of the art in his office on woods chapple. I can remember as a young boy going into his office and on the wall was a huge painting of the human heart painted and a gift to Dr. Whitley from Grandma. He is and always will be in my heart as a man I trusted with my life. Love you (Bill)

Roxane Bremen

October 26, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Becky Fouts

October 26, 2017

Dr. Whitley has been my physician and friend for over 30 years. Our birthdays were both on June 13 just different years. I will miss him very, very much. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and many friends. Rest in peace my friend we will meet again.

Brenda Forcum

October 26, 2017

He was a wonderful Doctor and friend. We Williams him and his wisdom and charm.

Sissy Reed

October 26, 2017

Dr. Whitley was a Great man, and a great Doctor. He treated my family for many years. He was so thoughtful and caring. If you had the privilege of knowing Dr. Whitley as your Dr. you knew he was a man of faith, had a fun sense of humor and was a humble person , he is now with our Great healer and redeemer. Heaven is blessed.Sissy Reed

Joann & Chet Brown

October 26, 2017

Besides being our doctor for 42 years, he was our friend . I have a rear disease and Dr. Whitley found it and he saw me through it when I had my good and bad days. I could always talk to Dr. Whitley about anything. I have never met a doctor like Dr. Whitley. Besides being our doctor he was our friend. We will truly miss him. But we figured that God needed a good doctor in heaven. Our prayers goes to his beloved family. To his beloved wife, all his children , his brother and all his grandchildren. May God be with all of you during this time to watch over and protect all of you. God Bless All.

Linda Barrier

October 26, 2017

The world has lost a great great man. He was my doctor but he was also my friend. He always had time to listen to you and offer guidance. I will miss his smile and charm and wisdom. My deepest sympathies go out to his family.

Tammie Macklin

October 26, 2017

Thank you for being my amazing doctor for 35 years. And thank you for being my friend. I'll miss you so much. Rest In Peace now. Love always.

lisa hoffman

October 25, 2017

sorry for your loss he was a amazing man and love the lord with all his heart.

Jerry Snead

October 25, 2017

I guess I am one of Dr Whitey's original patients since I started seeing him in 1971 for annual physicals or whatever ailed me at the time. He basically approached his service in a plain and simple fashion. Whatever was on his mind he spoke freely, be it politics or how is the family. He shared with me a lot of personal information and of course I was shocked when he first told me with his fight with cancer. He once told me never worry about getting sick and dying for everyone reaches that point in time and that should be the time to get things in order. I certainly will miss his great smile and caring approach with his profession. May God be with you and your entire family, staff, and patients for you are already missed from our lives.
Jerry Snead Sr.

David, Nancy, Morgan and Brian Reynolds

October 25, 2017

We came to know Dr. Whitley through participation in our kids sports. Bill was always fun and interesting to visit with and loved watching all the kids compete. After the kids grew up, we would run into him from time to time and Bill always wanted to know how everyone was doing and never forgot a name. He was the most genuine person you will ever meet! Condolences to his family and all of his many friends.

Gary Horner, Ph.D.

October 25, 2017

I shared office area with Dr. Whitley for several years in 1980's and again in 2000. In the office, he was always busy seeing patients or reading during his few minutes of alone time. He loved what he did. He enjoyed people and knew he had much to offer in caring for the physical and emotional needs of those he saw. He was extremely intelligent and generous, funny and greatly enjoyed conversing with others on a wide range of topics. We had many a spirited back and forth about politics, current events, sports, books and many other things. When I asked him about retirement, he always had an answer, but when that came to pass, he'd come up with another time or event. I told him I knew he wouldn't retire until he couldn't crawl through the office back door. He loved his family and was proud of all his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by many. I'm glad I had the opportunity to call Bill my friend. Condolences to his large family and other friends.

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Memorial Events
for William Whitley

Oct

26

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Royer Funeral Home - Grain Valley

100 Royer Lane, Grain Valley, MO 64029

Oct

27

Funeral

1:00 p.m.

Royer Funeral Home - Grain Valley

100 Royer Lane, Grain Valley, MO 64029

Oct

27

Burial

Blue Springs Cemetery

MO

Funeral services provided by:

Royer Funeral Home - Grain Valley

100 Royer Lane, Grain Valley, MO 64029

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