Grover Cleveland Whitley Jr, known to family and friends as Bud, left us on Thursday, September 5, 2024. Born on October 3, 1942, Grover lived a full life with a passion for serving his country, hunting, and spending time with family and friends.

Grover graduated from Oak City High School and married his sweetheart Betty Ruth Bunn on July 27, 1963. During their 61 years of marriage they had one daughter Rhonda Whitley Nankervis.

In 1966, Grover was drafted into the Army and stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. He was deployed in 1968 to Vietnam returning home in 1969. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he joined the Civil Service and was sent to Iceland for five years, Guatemala Bay, Cuba for three years, Jacksonville, NC and then Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Grover not only served his country but also served the small-town communities that he lived in. He worked at Branch Banking and Trust in Williamston and even owned and operated his own plumbing company and grocery store at one point.

Grover was predeceased by his parents Grover Cleveland Whitley, Sr. and Ester Louise Meeks Whitley, his sisters: Ann Brown, Donnie Martin, and Margaret Roberson, his brother Clayton Whitley and two nephews: Sammy Martin and Tommy Martin Jr.

He is survived by his wife Betty Ruth Whitley, daughter Rhonda Nankervis, his Grandchildren: Emily Shaw (Darin Shaw), Sarah Nankervis, Thomas Nankervis (Alex Nankervis), his Great Grandchildren: Jace Shaw 4 yrs. old and Kellin Shaw 3 yrs. old). Brother in Law: Thurman Brown (Phyllis Brown), his Nieces: Anita Oliveri (David Oliveri), Becky Conner (Mark Conner), Belinda Brown, Brenda Holmes, Carolyn Shepherd, Judy Bunn (Dolin Bunn), and Peggy Winstead (Joe Winstead), his Nephews: Carlton Brown (Jo Brown), Clay Whitley (Melissa Whitley), Eddie Brown (Debbie Brown), Gene Scott, James Roberson Jr. (Debbie Roberson) and many great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Carlisle Funeral Home in Tarboro, NC on Monday, September 9, 2024 from 6pm to 8pm. Services will be held at Carlisle Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 10, 2024 at 2:00pm with Pastor Jerome Mozingo of North Rocky Mount Church of God officiating the service. Funeral procession to Oak City cemetery immediately after service.