Richard Thomas Whitley

Richard Thomas Whitley (affectionately known as Ricky or Rick), 73, of Yorktown, VA passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023.
Born on July, 12 1950 Rick grew up in Hampton, VA and graduated from Hampton High School in 1969. After graduating high school he worked for Dr. Watson, DVM, Prestige Press, before then starting his career with Dominion Energy in 1977. Continuing his career in the energy sector, he worked at the Yorktown Power Station as a mechanic, supervisor, and maintenance manager until his retirement in 2010. Never one to slow down, Rick continued working as a consultant for Dominion at Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center, Brunswick Power Station, and Cove Point LNG.
Rick was member of Seaford Baptist Church since 1985. He cherished his church family, and always welcomed youth group events, and small group events at his home.
Always an energetic spirit with an open heart, he was fun to be around (always good for a smile and a joke), and could always make you laugh. Everyone enjoyed hearing stories about his travels and adventures. Rick was known for his humble nature and his tireless selflessness for his family, community, and those around him. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Yorktown for several years, and then served as president of the Dandy Citizens Association from 1990-2000.
He was a member of Yarmouth Rod and Gun Club since 1992; Rick was an active sportsman where he enjoyed hunting deer and fishing. He especially loved fishing, at his favorite place, Smith Mountain Lake. While at the lake he could be seen fishing from his kayak or teaching his grandchildren to fish. Rick also loved golfing, and playing pool, but more than anything in the world he loved his children and grandchildren. Rick was a devoted father and grandfather and wanted to teach them all of his favorite sports, activities, and everything he could about life.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Wade Thomas Whitley and Nelda Shively Warner.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, best friend, and soul mate Karen Whitley; son, Justin Whitley; daughter Megan Gemmato, and her husband Nick; and five grandchildren, Jordan, Jace, Landon, Brayden, and Jackson and four sisters, Cindy (Rollie) Ligart, Linda Whitley (Max Lorenzo), Terri (Mike) Walters, and Kellie (Mark) Lohenitz.
Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024, at Seaford Baptist Church, 1311 Seaford Road, Seaford, VA. The family will receive friends for visitation at 1:00pm in the church sanctuary, prior to the service, which will begin at 2pm.