Reese Jackson Whitley
Reese Jackson Whitley walked into the arms of God on September 27, 2025. He was in his Florida home surrounded by his family and so much love. Reese was born on August 7, 1937 in Iager, West Virginia to the late Joe Garnet Whitley and Julia Wallace Whitley. Reese was the oldest of four siblings.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Day Whitley and his son, Joseph Glen Whitley.
Reese grew up spending summers at his beloved grandparents' A.A. and Irene Wallace's home in Bluefield, VA. He loved sports, especially football and socializing with friends. He eventually attended Virginia Tech and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1959. He moved to Northern Virginia after graduation and went to work for Nationwide Insurance. He met the love of his life, Bonnie Day and they were married on September 5, 1964. Reese and Bonnie went on to have three children, Joey, Jay and Jennifer. Their life was full of moves with Nationwide as Reese ascended in leadership with the company taking them through Virginia, Ohio and Maryland. When Reese wasn't busy in the claims world, you would find him coaching football teams, timing at swim meets or driving the Baltimore Beltway for tennis matches for his kids. Reese was a devoted husband and father. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family and friends. Reese and Bonnie retired to Bedford, Virginia and spent many wonderful years there in their beautiful home facing the Peaks of Otter mountains. Later in life, Reese made the move to Florida to live with his daughter, Jennifer, her husband, Rob and his two grandsons. You would often find him driving carpool to school or on the baseball/flag football fields watching his "men." Being a grandfather looked good on Reese and he reveled in it. He made many wonderful friends and memories during his time in Florida.
He is survived by his son, Reinor Jay Whitley (Tricia); daughter, Jennifer Whitley McCarthy (Rob); two grandsons, Robbie Reese McCarthy and Jackson Day McCarthy; one sister, Brenda Whitley Klassen as well as many loving cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11am on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Bedford Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Khol officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Reese would greatly appreciate a donation to Bedford Baptist Children's Ministry, 1516 Oakwood Street, Bedford, VA, 24523. Reese loved attending and serving Bedford Baptist and watching the impact that the church had on the children in the community
Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.
