Obituary for Lt. Col. Robert E. Whitney (Ret.
) Lt. Col. Robert E. Whitney, USAF (Ret.
) “Bob”, 96 of Sun City Center, Fla passed away April 26, 2018 was affectionately known as “GGPA” to his grandchildren. A compassionate and devoted friend to many, will be dearly missed. Living life to its fullest, he shared many cherished and humorous memories.
He proudly wore his U. S. Army Air Corps/U. S. Air Force uniform with honor and meritorious distinction from 1942-1966. Respected and highly skilled as a pilot and squadron leader, his awards included Letters of Commendation, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medals, Clusters and numerous additional service medals.
He was selected as a member on the United Nations Repatriation Tribunal in 1953. Upon retirement he furthered his career as GS-13, then to the FAA as Safety Flight Inspector and Administration. Retired to Mesa, where he taught, tested and trained future pilots at Williams AFB.
Socially active, skilled dancers, Bob and Ruby (1st wife of 63 years) were also award winning bowlers. Bob enjoyed golf and proudly displayed his “hole in one” plaque. Bob and Audrey (2nd wife of 9.
5 years) were socially active in the Towers community, known as “The Sweethearts” among friends and family. He retained membership in the Order of Daedalians through retirement. All who knew him witnessed a life well lived as he was blessed with the love of two amazing devoted women, loving family, and lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruby Whitney and by his second wife, Audrey Hammond-Whitney, and by his son, Robert Whitney, Jr and Cindy Whitney, and by his daughter, Donna Roux, his parents Raymond and Alma Whitney and a brother, Norman Whitney. Survivors include daughters, Jerry (Dan) Crabtree, Patricia (Roger) Cole, two grandsons, Sean (Angie) McCall, Jamie (Staci) Whitney, Six granddaughters, Shannon Whitney, Tammy Madison, Kimberly (Brett) New, Amy Honaker, Allison (Sam) Couch and Summer (Adam) Thielebeule. Audrey’s family, Chandra Wielatz, Steve (Ann) Hammond grandchildren, Gina (Jonfrank) Murray and Quincy Hammond and Luke (Callie) Hammond 22 great grandchildren and three great great grandsons.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Sun Towers, 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, Sun City Center, Fla. Interment beside Ruby with military honors will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Order of Daedalians Scholarship Fund in the name of Lt.
Col. Robert E. Whitney. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Lt.
Col. Robert E. Whitney (Ret. ) please visit our Sympathy Store.
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