Robert Allen ‘Bobby’ Whiteman Jr.
Robert Allen “Bobby” Whiteman Jr., of Teague, passed away Aug. 21, 2018, in Mexia, at the age of 58. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 25, at the Teague Bible Church with Pastor Jimmy Petty officiating. Interment will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery in Teague. George Walter Reamy, Lance Reamy, Arnold “Pee Wee” Insall, David Angel, Devin Angel and Dustin Angel will serve as pallbearers. Visitation with the family will be prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Bobby was born April 6, 1960, in Dennison, Ohio, to R.A. “Bob” Whiteman and Linda Beth Reamy Whiteman. He spent many of his younger years in Teague, where he attended Teague ISD schools. For many years, he was a heavy equipment operator, working in many phases of construction, including pipelines and shut downs. Bobby later switched careers and became a truck driver; his last eight years were spent driving a truck for different companies around Belton.
Bobby enjoyed living in Belton, loved attending First Baptist Church there and decided to make Belton his home. However, health reasons forced him into early retirement. He recently moved to Mexia for skilled nursing care. Family meant everything to him. Although he never had any children, his only niece, Anna Beth, was the “apple” of his eye, and he couldn’t have loved her more than if she had been his own daughter.
Bobby was a true Christian with a big, kind and giving heart. His caring passion went out to all children, others that were less fortunate and struggling in life, and animals, especially the strays; he loved them all. He liked watching birds and keeping them fed, and also enjoyed watching the western channel.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Beth Reamy Whiteman, of Teague (formerly of Wickett); maternal grandparents Silvanus Elmer Reamy and Woodie Maudane Wilson Reamy; paternal grandparents Frank Lee Whiteman and Goldie Marie Wilds Whiteman; maternal uncles and aunts Kenneth Wilson Reamy, Martha Sil Reamy Creech and husband Pat Creech; paternal uncles and aunts John Walter Whiteman and wife, Lois, and Richard Dunfee.
Bobby is survived by his father, Bob Whiteman, and stepmother, Judith Wardle, of Streetman; sister Dana Rogers and husband Allen, of Teague; special niece Anna Beth Rogers, of Teague; uncles and aunts George Reamy, of Golinda, Frank William Whiteman and wife Joette, of Aurora, Colo., Earl Lee Whiteman and wife Patricia, of Scio, Ohio, and Elizabeth “Betty” Dunfee, of Scio, Ohio; special friends, Pee Wee and Carolyn Insall, of Belton; and numerous cousins.
The family is very grateful for the care provided Bobby through Virginia’s Hospice, Skilled Care of Mexia and Baylor Scott and White Temple. Judy Angel, of Virginia’s Hospice, greatly and lovingly transitioned Bobby and the family during the twilight of his life. Our gratitude is immeasurable.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 506 N. Main, Belton, TX 76513.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guestbook or leave a message of condolence.
William Robert “Bobby” Gray passed away peacefully on Aug. 19, 2018, at his home in Huntsville, surrounded by his loving family. Graveside services were held on Aug. 23, in the Mexia Cemetery.
Bobby was born Oct. 11, 1936, in Hazel Green, Ala., to William Brown Gray Sr. and Vada Allen. He and his mother moved to Marquez in 1939.
After Bobby graduated from Marquez High School, Class of 1954, he joined the Air Force and served in Korea from 1954-1958. In 1958, Bobby began part-time classes at K.C. Junior College, then entered South Texas College for three years (1961-1964).
Bobby began his 58-year career in the oil field industry with Macco Oil Tools; he was Vice President of Sales at the time of his departure. He went to work for McMurry Oil Tools in 1976 as Vice President of Marketing and later was promoted to President and C.E.O. Bobby relocated the company to Huntsville in 1980. He thoroughly enjoyed traveling internationally, meeting people and seeing their business operations.
His career also consisted of teaching gas lift schools and being a frequent guest lecturer at Texas Tech University and Texas A&M University. In addition, Bobby designed, manufactured and secured patents for his plungers.
In his spare time, Bobby enjoyed traveling, ranching, raising Black Brangus cattle, cars and Longhorn football. He had been an active member of Northside Baptist Church in Huntsville since 2006.
He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Allison Kilway; mother and stepdad, Vada and Gunny Allen of Marquez; father William Brown Gray Sr.; half-brother William Brown Gray Jr.; dear sister Billie Gray Smith, all of Tennessee; and special cousin Tom Miller, of New Market, Ala.
Bobby is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Karen Ann Gray, of Huntsville; daughter Leslie A. and husband Randy Knopf, of Houston; son Stan A. Gray, of Houston; stepdaughter Leigh Ann White, of Houston; stepson Brandon Bates and wife Neysa, of Houston; grandchildren Travis Kilway, Taylor and husband Mark Appling, Leigha and husband Chris Burmaster, Korbyn Johnson and Madison Johnson, all of the Houston area; great-granddaughters Riley Michelle, Genna, Maysilee and Everleigh Allison, 6 months old; and many cousins, nieces and nephews, from Tennessee, Alabama and Texas.
Bobby’s family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to caregivers, Ms. Charlene, Ms. Sheri and therapist Neva for all your help during our time of need.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a fund of choice for diabetes or Northside Baptist Church Building Fund in Huntsville.
Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
