Bobby Franklin Whirley, Sr.

Bobby Franklin Whirley, Sr. passed away on Sunday, January 30, 2022 at the age of 85.  He was born May 10, 1936 to Hayden Glendor Whirley and Mamie Virginia Atkins and grew up in Laytonsville, Maryland, as one of ten siblings. 

He entered the Selective Service System in 1955, served for 8 years in the U.S. Army Field Artillery 4th Battalion, 502nd Airborne Infantry Regiment until his honorable discharge in 1963.  Over the years, he was a pioneer supporter of the Montgomery County Agricultural Center, a member of the Lions Club International, an honorary chapter farmer of the FFA, a supporter of the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair 4-H and Damascus Fair livestock auctions, and an avid Bluegrass music listener.  He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Laura Ann Waters Whirley, in 2019.

He is survived by his sister, Jeanne Whirley, sons, Bobby “Chip” Whirley, Jr. of Derwood, MD and Tim Whirley, of Mt. Airy, MD, daughter-in-laws, Heather Hull Whirley and Samantha Ellis Whirley, as well as five grandchildren, Hayden Irene, Caitlyn Ann, Caroline Marie, Elizabeth Ann and Aubrey James (AJ). 

Due to the restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic, the family has chosen to do an outdoor graveside service at Mt. Carmel Patuxent Cemetery in Brookeville, Maryland on Friday, February 11, 2022 at 11am, with a celebration of life to be held later.  Specific details will be shared on social media. 

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Dr., Ste 100, Rockville, MD 20850 or http://montgomeryhospice.org/donate-now/.  Arrangements are being handled by the Roy W. Barber Funeral Home in Laytonsville, MD.

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