Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Robert J. and Jean Whitlock and his sister Suzanne Floyd.
He is survived by his three children John Whitlock (Sherry), Wendy Nading (Lance) and Davis Yarbrough (Meghan); brother Jud Whitlock (Gayle); sisters, Nancy Hubbs (Fred) and Beth Peterson (Lee); grandchildren Emily Whitlock, McKenna Nading, Mary Beth Whitlock, Cole Nading, and Asher Yarbrough; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Bobby was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned the Bronze Star for heroic service. The discipline and patriotism he learned while in the Army never left him, as friends and family will attest.
Bobby was known for being incredibly skilled in his work as an audio-visual installer and master craftsman with Yarbrough’s Music and Memphis Audio where he spent more than 40 years. His decades long legacy was summed up as ‘‘we’d be a shell of ourselves had he not thrown in with us’’.
When he wasn’t at the job site, Bobby applied his master craftsman skillset to home improvement projects. He excelled in the exacting nature this work required. He also found great purpose in caring for his rescued poodles, Arthur, Nellie and Jake.
In his personal life, Bobby’s qualities were reflective of the finest craftsman-he was original, innovative, organized, dedicated and consistent. Bobby was also known for his abstract sense of humor and served up with his beverage of choice via his beloved Styrofoam cup.
Memorial contributions to Sunny Meadows Safe Haven-Pets at 4066 New Getwell Road, Memphis, TN 38118.
The funeral service will be held at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN on Friday, July 15th, 2022 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
