John Robert Whitehurst, Sr.

John Robert (Bob) Whitehurst passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice home in Winston-Salem, NC, after a long battle with Cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends up to the time of his passing.

Robert was born on December 02, 1931, in Greenville, North Carolina, and lived there with his parents, Maude Bailey Whitehurst and Sammie Carroll Whitehurst; his two brothers, Leonard and Carroll; and three sisters Mildred, Lucille, and Barbara Ann.

After graduating from Washington High School in 1949, he went to work for Western Electric in Winston-Salem. One of his cousins, Buck Bailey, introduced Robert to his wife Carolyn by way of blind date and they married on July 22, 1956.

Robert was called to serve his country in the US Army during the Korean War and completed his military service in 1954 as a decorated combat veteran. After military service he returned to his career at Western Electric/AT&T. Robert and Carolyn remained in Winston-Salem, NC where they lived for the rest of her lives.

Robert was a great son, husband, father and grandfather. He was a devout Christian and follower of Christ who loved to serve his church in any capacity he could. He loved to host family gatherings and support every conceivable activity related to his immediate and extended family. He loved taking trips to eastern NC to spend time with his parents and extended family.

His greatest joy was his family, including his children, Bobby Whitehurst (Lynda), and Wesley Whitehurst (Sandy); his grandchildren, Matthew Whitehurst, Lindsay Whitehurst, Trisha Southern (Nick), and Chris Whitehurst (Whitney); and six great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

He was the greatest fan and supporter of both of his sons and grandchildren; he rarely ever missed any sports or extracurricular event. He served as confidante and caregiver to each one of the grandchildren as they grew up.

Robert was a kind man and true friend to all. He is remembered for his generosity, positive attitude, kindred spirit, and his ability to always remain optimistic and grounded with how he viewed the world. He always exerted a positive attitude and approachability no matter the circumstance.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00pm on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Glenn View Baptist Church with Rev. Dominic Immordino and Pastor Coley Rimmer officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00am to 12:00pm before the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s memory may be made to his spiritual home, Glenn View Baptist Church, 4275 Glenn Hi Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27107, or to Trellis Supportive Hospice Care at www.trellissupport.org.