HAW RIVER – Mr. Robert Michael Whitfield, 64, of Haw River, died Thursday, March 12, at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill surrounded by family. He was a graduate of Eastern Alamance High School, and attended NC State University and Elon University. After leaving college, he joined his father and helped manage Exxon Dealerships in the county. He became an Exxon Dealer on Alamance Road, Burlington and later rejoined his father at Whitfield’s Exxon Dealership and Towing Service in Haw River. Upon his father’s retirement, he incorporated as Whitfield’s Towing and Automotive and served the community for 25 years. He was a founding member of the NC Towing Association.
Robert had a true passion for his work. He took great satisfaction in supporting public safety, and in working with auto dealerships, garages, auto body shops and the general public in Alamance, Guilford and surrounding counties.
Robert was preceded in death by his father, Melvin E Whitfield and his brother-in-law, Ronald O. Uthus. He is survived by his mother, Gloria Wilson Whitfield of Homeplace, Burlington; his sister, Sandra Whitfield Uthus, Vienna, VA and her step-children, Debra U. Yared, Ronald O. Uthus, Jr and Laura A O’Brien; his brother, Greg Whitfield (Terry) Greensboro; nephews, Jackson Whitfield, Asheville and Harrison Whitfield, Raleigh.
Robert was a gentle soul with a tender heart, always willing to help friends and family whenever needed. He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed riding his motorcycle, hunting, boating, fishing and spending time at the beach. He had tremendous compassion and love for animals, and is deeply missed by his Labrador Retriever, Murphy, who was his constant companion.
A private graveside service will be held for immediate family.
Mr. Whitfield will be open to the public on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 from 12:00 until 5:00 pm at McClure Funeral Home in Graham.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alamance Humane Society or the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
On-line condolences may be made at mcclurefuneralservice.com.
Condolences may be offered at www.mcclurefuneralservice.net
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Robert Michael Whitfield, please visit our floral store.