Kenneth Ray Whitley

Kenneth Ray Whitley, age 71, of Rocky Mount, NC, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2015. Born November 20, 1943 in Nash County, NC, he was the son of the late Eddie Thomas Whitley and Bessie Griffin Whitley. In addition to his parents, Kenneth is predeceased by his daughter, Michelle Whitley; five sisters, Esther W. Wiggins, Virginia W. Balkcum, Frances W. Edwards, Ethel W. McSwan, and Margaret W. Martin; and four brothers, Clyde Whitley, David Whitley, Harvey Whitley and Norman Whitley.

The youngest of thirteen children, Kenneth was without a doubt dedicated to family. His four girls, grandchildren and great grand-babies (pappa-daddy as he was known) was the light of his life and all revolved around them. Kenneth ensured they had everything of which he could provide and devoted himself entirely to their upbringing. He had an overwhelming amount of wisdom, of which he gained from his joy of reading. It can be said that Kenneth knew a little bit of any subject and would astonish those around him with his knowledge. His dedication to family was also found in his dedication to the U.S. Postal Service as a Postman. Rain, shine, sleet, or snow Kenneth took his career seriously, retiring after 34 years of service. Following his retirement, he could easily be found working in his garden or throwing a line in the water in hopes of catching the one that got away.

Left to cherish his memories are his four daughters, Renae Nowell and her husband, Scott, of Rocky Mount, Sheryle Rackley and her husband, Tim, of Rocky Mount, Tanya Whitley of Rocky Mount, and Charlene Whitley of Kinston, his six grandchildren, Kimberly Adcox, Hunter Rackley, Jeremiah Gonyea, and Christina, Kenneth, and Brian Nowell; as well as his two great-grandchildren, Anthony and Addisyn Adcox. Kenneth is also survived by two sisters, Helen W. Swindle and Mavis W. Lanier and one brother, Eddie Whitley all of Rocky Mount.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC. Burial will follow the services at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

The family would like to especially thank Kenneth's sister-in-law, Nancy Whitley, and his nephew, Wayne Jaworowski, for their love, care, and support these past few months. Their visits and compassion in which they had shown will forever be remembered.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.