Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1937
DIED
2020
Yoder Whitley Obituary
Born September 2, 1937, he was the son of Y.V. Whitley Sr. and Bessie Catherine Whitley.
He graduated from Albemarle High School, where he played drums in the marching band. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lenoir-Rhyne, where we played in the Campus Cats school band for 4 years.
He operated the Y.V. Whitley Specialty Company for many years and later in life drove for SCUSA.
His love for Albemarle football was like no other, he lived for the Bulldogs and rarely missed a game.
His love of music began early, he taught drum lessons for many years, played in many bands, including a German Band where they wore lederhosen and played Octoberfests.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Billy Whitley and his wife of 39 years, Rita S. Whitley
He is survived by his two daughters, Laura Beth Marks (Kyle) and Amy Whitley, along with two granddaughters, Addison and Stella.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date, when restrictions allow.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of Stanly or to First Presbyterian Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Yoder Whitley
Linda S. Efird
December 27, 2021
Yoder was a very special. He and my husband played in the band. He kept all of going in his last year with his positive attitude and his talent. And that wonderful sense of humor. You are sorely missed my hear friend Love Linda S, Efird
NCPreps friends
December 21, 2020
Rest In peace Buddy Rich, President of the Albemarle Blue Bulldogs Football ‘No Class Club’. Thank you for all the great memories on the boards and at games. You and Gaster have a blast reminiscing up there.
Jojo Sikes
December 18, 2020
Growing up so close to Uncle Yoder and the rest of the family was a blessing. I didn't understand how much at the time. Now these are childhood memories I'll always remember fondly. I'll certainly miss how he used to send Facebook videos just to give me a good laugh, but I know he's with Aunt Rita now and they're laughing together. Love you always, Uncle Yoder.
Bonnie Winecoff
December 18, 2020
The summer concert was wonderful. So happy it all worked out--in your element for sure.
Linda S. Efird
December 18, 2020
Yonder was our touchstone. I looked forward to his Facebook page. He fought the good fight fight with courage and grace. We were friends over sixty years. I hope he found Rita and his parents and brother. And the boys in the band. He loved that band. Love and Angels
Linda S. Efird
December 18, 2020
Your Dad was our touchstone. I looked forward to his page every day. He fought the good fight with unbelievable courage and grace. I know he is with Rita . I miss him . He was special. Love and Angels Linda S. Efird
Carol McDonald
December 18, 2020
What a brave soul he was, I will miss your posts on FB, RIP my friend.
December 18, 2020
He was one of a kind, and will be missed by so many! He fought the good fight.. RIP, my friend!!
Frankie Palmer
Terry Barbee
December 18, 2020
I was blessed to be one of the many students to whom he helped instill a love of playing drums. Facebook helped to reunite us after many years and it was always great to see his posts. Sometimes it was music or WWII or his journey with cancer.
It was my blessing to visit with him just a week before he passed. We had a great time talking big bands and WWII. That is a memory I will always cherish.
John 3:16 begins saying "that God so loved the world he sent his only son" but HE also loved the world enough to send Yoder.
Rest in peace my dear friend.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Yoder Whitley's name
Memorial Events
for Yoder Whitley
How to support Yoder's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Yoder Whitley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
