Bobby Joe Whiteside

Bobby Joe Whiteside, 81, of Charlotte, died Wednesday, September 25, 2013, with his family at his side at the Levine and Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, NC. Bobby was born in Drexel, North Carolina, on May 19, 1932, the son of Leonard Brinkley Whiteside, Sr. and Eula Diane Earnhardt. When he was 12, his family moved to Charlotte where he graduated from Central High School. After graduation, Bobby followed his family’s tradition and answered his country’s call to service, enlisting in the United States Navy. He spent some time on the USS Coral Sea before his duty assignment to the CA-72 USS Pittsburgh, a Baltimore Class heavy cruiser. This was the assignment where he spent most of his enlistment, during which he attained the rank of Quarter Master Third Class. While on leave in 1955, Bobby was spending some time at “Angelo’s” on 4th and Kings in Charlotte, an establishment owned by a friend of his. There he was introduced to Ms. Margaret Wilson, who he dated every night for the next two weeks before his leave ended and he returned to his assignment. He truly felt he found the woman who he wanted for a wife and even confided in friends that he had found her. True to this, with the feelings reciprocated by Ms. Wilson, and following his honorable discharge from the US Navy on March 28, 1955; Bobby and Margaret were married at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in York, South Carolina, on March 10, 1956. In 1967, they built the home that they continued to live in to this day. Bobby worked for a time for Asplundh Tree Service before going to work as a Postal Clerk for the United States Postal Service, a position from which he retired in 1997. Bobby was involved in many things and loved spending time with people. He enjoyed football, auto racing, and woodworking. He was also an artist with an incredible talent for drawing horses and dogs. If ever you stopped by his house, you would find him “tinkering” in his shop, and be greeted warmly for stopping by to spend time with him. Bobby enjoyed the reunions of his high school friends as well as the reunions of the crew of the USS Pittsburgh. On the fourth Monday of every month, he could be found at the Golden Corral in Pineville, sharing his day with his high school buddies. Most of all, Bobby was proud of the beautiful family he and Margaret were blessed with, and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Bobby is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret; three daughters: Donna Wall of New Port Richey, FL; Patty (husband, Scott) Williams of Charlotte; and Teresa Whiteside of Charlotte; seven grandchildren; 1 great grandchild, and numerous other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, June Hope “Dolly”; and a brother, Leonard Brinkley Whiteside, Sr. The family has given the privilege of serving them to Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home, 4715 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews, NC 28105. All are invited to join the family in celebrating the life of their husband, father, and grandfather. Services led by Pr. Gene Cole will be held at 2 PM on Monday, September 30, at the funeral home chapel. The family will receive guests for one hour prior to the services. Following the services, Bobby will be taken to Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road, Charlotte, where he will be laid to his final earthly rest. To share memories, photos, and additional details, please visit Bobby’s personal online memorial at www.LoweNeddoFuneralHome.com or call 704-545-3553.

Bobby Joe Whiteside

May 19, 1932 - September 25, 2013