Robert "Earl" Whitley

Robert Earl Whitley, age 74, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the evening of Saturday, November 11, 2023 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He was born on July 2, 1949 to his parents, Nathaniel and Ruth Whitley.

As a graduate of Choctawhatchee High School, Robert went on to be an electrician for Gulf Power Electric Company for over twenty-five years. Many around town knew him as "Quaker", "Bob", or "Earl".

Earl married his devoted wife, Judy Whitley, of nearly fifty-five years, on December 20, 1969 at the tender age of twenty. The two of them built a life together in Fort Walton Beach with their daughter, Octavia Whitley.

Although Octavia grew up as an only child, Earl was a father figure to his two nieces and three nephews as well. Taking care of the needs of his family gave him great joy.

Earl enjoyed cars, sports, traveling, grilling, and hanging with friends and family.

He leaves behind his cherished wife, Judy Whitley; daughters, Octavia Whitley and Tonia Barron; granddaughter, Analisa Barron; grandson, Phillip Barron, Jr.; great grandson, Ramsey Barron; sister, Carolyn Burress; nieces, Karen Lewis and Angela Guerrero; nephews, Steve McNabb and Stacey Whitley; along with a host of beloved family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Arlisa Duncan; and nephew, Sherman McNabb. 

A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Sylvania Heights First Baptist Church, 511 Lovejoy Road Northwest, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32548.

Flowers will be received by the family.