Robert L. Whitener III

1941 - 2025

January 19, 1941 - September 29, 2025

Robert L. "Rob" Whitener III passed away on September 29, 2025, at the age of 84.

Born in Maud, Texas, Rob carried his Texas pride with him throughout his life. He left his hometown to pursue an athletic career in college, playing collegiate basketball at Oklahoma City University and later at East Texas State University, where he proudly finished his playing career as a member of the men's basketball team.

At East Texas State, he was a founding brother of the Zeta Eta Chapter of Sigma Chi. He served as Consul (chapter president) and built friendships that lasted a lifetime. To earn extra money, he ironed clothes for his fraternity brothers - a habit that foreshadowed the neatness and style that later earned him "All-School Favorite" and "Best Dressed" honors. As an alumnus, Sigma Chi recognized him as a Significant Sig and later with the Order of Constantine. Reflecting the deep respect he earned, the fraternity shared the news of his passing with the message:

"Brother Rob Whitener, Order of Constantine, 4, has entered the Chapter Eternal."

Following college, Rob remained in Commerce, Texas, serving his alma mater as Director of Alumni Affairs. He then co-owned All World Travel in Commerce. Deeply invested in his community, he helped develop the clubhouse for Sand Hills Country Club and later served as the club's president, as well as its club champion. He was an active member, and eventual president, of the local Lions Club; served on the board of directors of First National Bank in Commerce, Texas; and was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Commerce.

In Commerce, Rob entered the student insurance field before his work took him to Plano, Texas, and ultimately to the Tampa Bay area of Florida. In Florida, he continued his habit of service as a 20+ year member of East Lake Woodlands Country Club in Oldsmar, where he also served on the Board of Governors. At East Lake Woodlands, he loved competing with the "Dawgs" and "Head Hunters" golf groups. He would conclude his professional career as Vice President at United Healthcare Student Resources and remained in Oldsmar and at East Lake Woodlands during his retirement. Rob had a zest for life that was impossible to miss. An avid golfer, outdoorsman, and lover of the water, he spent countless days outside with his son and his best friends: deer hunting in Texas; redfishing along the coast, especially in Port O'Connor, Texas; and duck hunting in Arkansas. Rob and Stone shared a deep love for Caddo Lake in Texas. He and his beloved wife, Lylia Lee Whitener, also loved to dance, lighting up countless evenings together on the dance floor.

Family was at the heart of Rob's life. He began cheering for his daughter, Lee Whitener McGee, when she was a young girl, watching every basketball and volleyball game through her high school years. He never missed a game. In late 2024, he moved to Savannah, Georgia, to be closer to his daughter, Lee Whitener McGee, her husband, Jerramy McGee, and their daughter, Ryan. In Savannah, he found the same joy at Ryan's volleyball matches and at Lee Whitener McGee's tennis matches, proud to cheer them both on.

Rob always held a special place in his heart for his favorite uncle, Uncle John A. Stone, for whom his son was named. One of Uncle John A.'s guiding sayings, "Be good to each other," was something Rob often repeated to Lee Whitener McGee and Jerramy, and it remains a lasting reflection of his values and spirit.

Rob was preceded in death by his wife, Lylia Lee Whitener; his son, Stone Forsyth Whitener; his mother, Ada Lee Stone Whitener; and his father, Robert L. Whitener, Jr. He is survived by his daughter, Lee Whitener McGee (her mother, Roberta DeWitt Harris); son-in-law, Jerramy McGee; and granddaughter, Ryan Ashley McGee.

He will be remembered for his unwavering Texas pride, his love of family and friends, and his ability to make every gathering a little brighter. He greeted friends old and new with a firm handshake and a good scotch. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the family he cherished.