James Rudolph Whitley

James Rudolph Whitley June 9, 1931 – December 11, 2020 James “Buddy” R. Whitley, 89 passed away peacefully on December 11, 2020 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. James was born on June 9, 1931 in Wilson County to the late James Oscar Whitley and Josephine W. Peaden. James joined the Army at the age of seventeen and served his country in Korea during the Korean Conflict. He joined the National Guard after leaving the Army. After leaving the Army he married the love of his life, Yvonne Bridgers of Macclesfield. He was a mechanic by trade and a hard worker. James worked for Swift and Company/Dinner Bell for many years and was also employed with Foster Forbes and Kerr Glass. He was a man that could fix or build just about anything. James was an avid golfer who enjoyed meeting up with the “guys” at Willow Springs Country Club to play a competitive round of golf. James was a Christian and a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, his loving wife, Yvonne Bridgers Whitley; step-dad, Bill Peaden; sister, Edna Earl Greene and his brother, Tommy Whitley preceded him in death. We will be forever heartbroken about our loss, but forever grateful knowing he is resting peacefully with his Lord and Savior. He is survived by his daughter, Marsha W. Moore and husband, Johnny; son, James Keith Whitley and fiancé, Vanessa; sister, Jean Eatmon; half-sister, Kay Peaden Williams and husband, Donald and half-brother, Van Peaden and wife, Rita. His loving grandchildren, Lindsey Bruton Bard, Justin Whitley, Nina O’Neal, Hope Dail and Johnna Davis and his great-grandchildren, Hayden Michael Bard, Aubrey Bard, Lowe O’Neal and Emmett O’Neal. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Evergreen Memorial Park, Wilson. The Rev. Chase Caldwell will officiate. Due to COVID-19 face mask and social distancing is requested by the family. Friends and family may pay respects to James from 12 – 5 p.m. on Sunday and 9 – 5 p.m. Monday at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson. The family would like to thank his wonderful caregivers of Compassionate Care Solutions for the excellent care, compassion, support and love they gave daddy during this journey. Words can not express our deepest appreciation for Amy Pridgen, Janice Pridgen, Wendy Winborne, Kelly Langley, Amber Bass, Jessica Morris, and Lisa Vassallo for all you did for daddy and our family! We love you all! In lieu of flowers the family request a gift of love in his honor to be made to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, North Carolina 27534. Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.