Benjamin Henry Whitley, Jr.

RALEIGH – Benjamin Henry Whitley, Jr., 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 14, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Smithfield of Johnston County, NC to Florence Batten and Benjamin Henry Whitley. He was blessed with 5 siblings - Beulah, Eunice, James, Cecil, and Thomas. He met his one and only sweet heart, Doris Holland of Fuquay-Varina in 1947, and they married 2 years later on June 3, 1949 at her home. The newlyweds made their home in Raleigh, NC where BH provided a wonderful life for his family with his employment in the US Postal Service for 35 years. He enjoyed a life full of golfing with his postal buddies, fishing with his children and grandchildren, and vacationing with his wife and family to The Great Smoky Mountains and North Myrtle Beach. He cherished his time outdoors with gardening, playing baseball in the backyard with family and friends of over 4-generations, and sitting on the front porch with loved ones and bird watching. He was especially fond of attending the North Carolina State Fair, NC Eastern Barbecue, listening to Bluegrass/Gospel music, and grilling outdoors with his family. In his last few years, he found tremendous joy in playing games with his children, grand-children and great-grandchildren. During the last 3 years, he found great happiness in retirement living with his wife at Whispering Pines in Raleigh, NC, where they established many new and special friendships with residents and staff. The family would like to extend special thanks to the loving and passionate attention given to B.H. and the family during his short stay at Transitions Life Care of Raleigh. He is survived by: his wife, Doris Holland Whitley; His son Freddie Whitley, wife Betty Wilder Whitley, and his daughter Angela Livingston, husband Shawn and their three children, Eli, Lucas and Aubrey; His son Doug Whitley and his daughter Candi Whitley Stroupe, husband Erich and their two sons Holden and Finley. Son Matthew Whitley, wife Melanie and their three children, Ayden, Austin and Addison, and son Jordan Whitley and his daughter Raelyn; His daughter Barbara Whitley Hinkle and her son, Charlie Hinkle and wife Paige, son Joshua Hinkle and daughter Ginnie Hinkle. Mr. Whitley’s Going Home Celebration will be held Thursday, February 18, at 2 PM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh. Burial will follow at Historic Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 until 1:45 PM. Memorials may be made to Transitions LifeCare Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.