Robert Wendell Whiteside

Robert Wendell Whiteside of Asheville, age 83, died April 10, surrounded by a large and loving family. The family will receive friends at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road on Wednesday from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The public memorial service will be held Thursday at 1pm at West Asheville Presbyterian Church, Haywood Rd. There will be a private burial. Bob Whiteside was born August 10, 1927, in Mills River, NC to Robert Clinton and Hilda Cathey Whiteside. He was the oldest of four children. His sisters Jean Williams, Estelle Whiteside, and Margaret Baldwin of Henderson County survive him. Bob found great joy in tracing back his family ancestry to the early Rutherford North Carolina pioneers and Virginia emigrants of the 1600s. His childhood in Mills River was rich with books and tending to the farm with his family. After graduating from Mills River High School, he joined the Navy on his 17th birthday. He served bravely on the U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard, during the final battles against Japan. After the service, he returned home to attend Western Carolina and Tulane University. He married Betty Ann McDade of Asheville in 1948 and began a long career with Southern Bell Telephone, retiring after 42 years as Supervising Engineer of Western North Carolina. He raised three daughters with Betty Ann--Leesa Whiteside Roberts and Leslie Whiteside Roland of Asheville, and Robin Whiteside of San Francisco. He was a doting father who regularly took his daughters fishing, on weekly trips to his Mills River homestead, and on yearly trips to Surfside Beach, regaling his girls with wonderful stories, instilling a love of God, nature and books. He doted on his four grandchildren too. He was an eager member of the Asheville Public Library, and was known to have read through their entire history collection. Two or three books per week for more than 30 years, and never a late fee. He lost his adored wife Betty Ann to cancer after 45 years of marriage in 1993. He was a tireless and loving caregiver to her during her final months. They say there are no second acts in American lives, but Bob Whiteside proved them wrong. In 1995, he married Betty Edwards of Asheville and gained a loving wife and an extended family with four additional children, Sallie E. Salley and Martha Clontz of Asheville, Betty Ross Graves of Old Fort, Ellis F. (Jack) Edwards Jr. of Mooresville, and ten additional grandchildren. He devoted much of his time and energy as a dedicated church member, Deacon, Elder, and Clerk of the Session of West Asheville Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir, and taught the Adult Men's Sunday school for over 30 years. He acted as a caregiver to many family members and to the community through his volunteer work with the church, with Habitat for Humanity and with hospice organizations. He was blessed with every moment of his sixteen years with Betty. After a brave and long battle with lung disease, he was at peace in his passing, surrounded by his beloved wife Betty, his daughters, step daughters, grandchildren, and the outstanding caring staff at Mission Hospital. Lives like his are not soon forgotten. He taught honesty, patience, kindness, and faith. To love and be loved. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Asheville Presbyterian Church or to a favorite charity.