Robert K. Whitlock

Mr. Robert Kenneth Whitlock, Sr. 80, of Salisbury, passed away Sunday, November 29, 2009 at Carolinas Medical Center – Northeast. Born February 19, 1929 in Pickens County, SC, he was the son of the late William Harrison Whitlock, Jr., and Flora Aiken Whitlock. Mr. Whitlock graduated from Canton High School, and received his associate degree from Gardner Webb College and BA degree from Wake Forest University. He received his Masters Degree in Elementary Education and School Administration from Appalachian State University, Boone, NC. He was employed with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System, where he was a teacher for 4 years and then for 25 years he served as principal for Rama Road Elementary School, Statesville Road Elementary School, Merry Oaks Elementary School, and Villa Heights Elementary School, before retiring. Mr. Whitlock was a veteran of the US Army, having served during the Korean War. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Salisbury, and the Rowan Ramblers . Mr. Whitlock also was a member of the National and local Blind Veterans Association and the National Federation of the Blind. He is preceded in death by he wife, Betty Lou Hollifield Whitlock, who passed away on November 6, 1974; twin sons, Daryl and Caryl Whitlock on March 15, 1956; daughter, Sarah Susan Whitlock on July 29, 1960 and a brother, Troy Whitlock, in 1986. Those left to cherish his memory: son, Robert Kenneth Whitlock, Jr. and wife Kathy Whitlock, of Concord, NC; daughter, Elizabeth Janelle Whitlock Farmer, and husband, Rev. Brian Farmer, of Salisbury; brother, B.W. Whitlock and wife, Martha, of Greensboro; sisters, Mary Jane Chambers, of Seneca, SC, Sue Ann Stines and husband, Dr. B.J. Stines, of Raleigh, Ellaree Elrod and husband, Dr. Randy Elrod, of Martinsburg, WV, Elizabeth Lindsay, of Lincolnton, and Iris Jean Campbell, of Gordonsville, VA; sister-in-law, Wanda Whitlock, of Pisgah Forest; and grandchildren, Mary Catherine Whitlock Bennett, Joshua Farmer, and Michelle Farmer. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6-8 PM at Summersett Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, with the Rev. Brian Farmer, officiating and Rev. Dr. Kenneth Lance assisting. Interment will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Charlotte at 3:00 PM. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Salisbury 223 N. Fulton Street Salisbury, NC 28144. The family would like to thank his close friend and caregiver Charlie Royce for his years of service and friendship. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Whitlock family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Robert K. Whitlock

February 19, 1929 - November 29, 2009