Charles Robert "Bobby" Whitfield

Mr. Charles Robert “Bobby” Whitfield, age 92, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 30, 2024. He was born on March 16, 1931, in Hopkins County, Kentucky, where he grew up. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Iva Whitfield, sister and brother-in-law, Nell and Jack Tapp, and sister Arda Mae.

Bobby graduated from Nortonville High School in Kentucky. At a very early age he started taking piano lessons with his brother-in-law, Jack Tipp. He developed a love for southern gospel music at the young age of 13. Soon after he became a pianist with four school friends and formed the Harmony Boys Quarter. After graduation, he joined the Gospelaires Quartet in Gallatin, Tennessee. From 1950-1957, he was with Wally Fowler and the Oak Ridge Quartet, except for two years from 1951-1953 while serving in the Army Signal Corps. Bobby faithfully served his Lord as pianist at Cedar Forest Baptist Church for 20 years and then at North Point Baptist Church for 30 years. His chosen occupation was to be a barber. Where he first worked at LeVan’s Barber Shop and then at Old Town Barber Shop for a combined total of 55 years.

Bobby is survived by “the love of his life” and his bride of 70 years, Caroleen “Leny” Whitfield; his “baby girl” and daughter, Kathy Welch (Tony); two grandsons, Cole Welch, and Grant Welch (Theresa); great-granddaughter, Brooke Welch; great-grandson, Harrison Welch; niece, Dixi Greschuck (John); great-nephew, Chris; great-niece, Leigh Alice; and great-great nephew, Quinton.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Brookridge Retirement Community. A very special thank you to Cathy Deaton, his nurse, and to Ashley Donahue, his trusted Physician Assistant and angel sent from heaven. Their excellent care for Bobby and his family was truly unmatched.

A private graveside service will be held for the immediate family. A service to honor Bobby’s life will be announced at a later date.

It is requested that any memorials be made to North Point Baptist Church at 4980 University Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27106.

*Updated Service Information*

A Celebration of Life for Bobby will be held on Saturday, March 2nd at 1:00pm at North Point Baptist Church at 4980 University Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27106. The family will receive friends from 12pm-1pm before the service. Pastor Jason Fletcher and Pastor Skip Furrow will be officiating. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.