J. Whitley, Jr

STANTONSBURG - James Norwood Whitley, Jr., 75, died Sunday, April 25, 2010. Funeral, Saturday, 11 AM, Stantonsburg United Methodist Church. Mr. Whitley was son of the late J. Norwood and Hulda Hardy Whitley of Stantonsburg. His wife of 54 years, Shirley Hayes Whitley, died in November, 2009. He was also preceded by his twin sister, Mary Baynor "Bee" Whitley and his older brother, John Hiram Whitley. He was a graduate of Stantonsburg High School and attended Fishburne Military Academy where he played football. A Master Mason of 34 years, he also served as an Explorer Scout advisor and was an assistant football coach for Speight Middle School for three years. He owned and operated Whitley Farms. Norwood was twice elected a commissioner for the County of Wilson where he served for seven and one half years beginning in 1983. During his tenure he served on multiple boards, commissions and committees. While he enjoyed all his service, he was most proud of his involvement with the North Carolina Global TransPark (GTP), a 2,400-acre industrial/airport site strategically located near Kinston to serve all of eastern North Carolina. He and Shirley were members of the Stantonsburg Kiwanis Club at the time of their death. Norwood was Kiwanian of the Year for 1977-78 and received an award for Outstanding Community Service for having established and built the Stantonsburg Medical Clinic in 1980. He enjoyed visiting with friends and his favorite past-time was." talkin' to you. He had a gift for remembering names and faces; he never met a stranger. He loved to cook and share his wonderful dishes with anyone. You could always set your clock by "Mr. Norwood," because he was never ever late! Honesty, integrity and a "hand shake promise" were Norwood. A born again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, Norwood was a member of Stantonsburg United Methodist Church. He had a beautiful tenor voice and passed his love of music on to his children and grandchildren. He could often be heard singing such beloved hymns as "Just A Closer Walk with Thee" around the house, on the farm and in his car. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and the way they each serve God with their individual talents and gifts. He often requested concerts by the "Whitley Family Singers" who sang so beautifully to their parents at their 50th anniversary. Survivors include his daughter, Deborah "Debbie" Schlechte (Gene) of Manassas, VA; sons J. Norwood Whitley, III (Donna) of Zebulon and Col. Albert H. Whitley, USAF, Retd, (Roberta) of Fredericksburg, VA; grandchildren, Jennifer Schlechte of Austin, TX, Christopher "Chris" Schlechte of Blacksburg, VA, Elizabeth "Lizzy" W. Clapsadl (David) of Rocky Mount, James N. Whitley IV of Raleigh, Gregory "Greg" Whitley and Rebecca "Becky" Whitley, both of Fredericksburg, VA; brothers-in-law, Leroy Hayes (Elizabeth) of Rocky Mount and Ralph Hayes of Smithfield. Norwood also loved his two little dogs, Tootsie and Pickaboo, who faithfully stayed by his side until the very end. The family will be at Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Drive, Wilson, Friday, 5- 7 PM. Memorials are suggested to Stantonsburg United Methodist Church, PO Box 6, Stantonsburg, NC 27883.