Randolph Woodard Whitley

Obituary for Randolph Woodard Whitley

Randolph Woodard “Randy” Whitley, age 73, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Randy was born on March 4, 1952, in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, the second son of the late Harry Walton Whitley and Lucille Stallings Woodard Whitley. He was preceded in death by his brother, Harry Walton Whitley Jr., and his sister, Lucille Ann Whitley Joyner.

For nearly 40 years, Randy worked at Perdue Farms, where he built lasting friendships, including meeting his beloved wife, Cheryl Jackson Whitley. The two were married in 1981 and shared nearly 45 years of marriage before his passing.

A lifelong member of Murfreesboro Baptist Church, Randy faithfully served as a deacon and was deeply committed to his church family. He participated in several mission trips, including a meaningful trip to Gulfport, Mississippi, following Hurricane Katrina. Beyond his devotion to church, Randy found joy on the fairways of Beechwood Country Club, where he spent many afternoons golfing with friends.

Randy was a proud Freemason, raised as a Master Mason on May 10, 1976. He served as Master of the American George Lodge No. 17 on four occasions and dedicated himself to supporting lodge fundraisers and contributing generously to the Oxford Children’s Home. He joined the Sudan Shriners in New Bern, North Carolina, on May 27, 1978, and served as President of the Roanoke-Chowan Shrine Club five times. His leadership and service helped organize numerous fundraisers and local Shriners Hospital golf tournaments.

Above all, Randy loved his family. In addition to his wife, Cheryl, he is survived by his daughter, Amanda Whitley Brett, son-in-law Ian Hayes Brett, and his three treasured grandchildren, Liam Hayes, London Grace, and Whitley Catherine Brett, all of Kernersville, North Carolina.

A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Murfreesboro Baptist Church, 200 West Main Street, Murfreesboro, North Carolina, with Dr. Mark Gaskins officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American George Masonic Lodge No. 17 in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, 303 University Dr. Murfreesboro, NC 27855; or to the North Carolina Leadership Academy, 4353 High Point Road, Kernersville, North Carolina 27284.

Cremation services are being provided by Damien Shell Cremations for the Whitley-Brett family. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.damienshellfsp.com

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