Bobby Bard Whitlock Sr.

Bobby Bard Whitlock, Sr.

, of Hattiesburg, MS passed away April 3, 2005 in Biloxi, MS at the age of 68.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Katherine Whitlock, two brothers, June and Tom, and two infant siblings.

He was born in Hickman, KY on July 29, 1936. He was baptized at West Fraser Baptist Church in Memphis, TN, where he was a member. He served almost six years in the Air Force. He was stationed in Texas, Missouri, New Foundland, and England. After the military he became a professional wrestler, starting his career with the Roy Welch Wrestling Association in Nashville, TN. He traveled the Mid-Western and Southern regions of the United States as well as Mexico and Japan. After retiring from the sport of professional wrestling, he went into various roles of Law Enforcement until his retirement.*

He is survived by his daughter, Melissa (Tim) Coons of Shelbyville, Ky, and his son, Bobby (Lorena) Whitlock, Jr. of Versailles, KY. He leaves behind four grandchildren and four sisters. His surviving sisters are Louise Gibbel of Harrisburg, PA; Margaret Smedley of Harrisburg, PA; Daisy King of Kansas City, MO; and Mary Eason of Martin, TN. He was loved dearly by his many nieces and nephews. In his passing he also leaves behind a long time companion of nine years, Rose Stortz of Hattiesburg, MS. They shared the joy of her three children, Jeff Stortz of Robertsdale, AL; Johnathan Stortz of St. Charles, AR; and Jennifer Johnson of Mobile, AL and seven grandchildren.

*Being "The" NASCAR fan he was, if you would like to make a donation in his honor, please do so to the Victory Junction Gang at www.victoryjunction.org. Services will be Noon, Thursday, April 7, 2005 at Bay Vista Baptist Church, 2485 Pass Road in Biloxi, MS. Visitation will be two hours prior to service time. Burial will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery where he will receive military honors.

Care of our father is entrusted only to the professionalism of MARSHALL FUNERAL HOME.