Robert (Bob) Eugene Whitelaw, 86, of Monterey, Virginia, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2021 at Bath Community Hospital.

He was born October 26, 1934 in Hot Springs, a son of the late Eugene Kramer and Ruby Frances (Smith) Whitelaw.

A veteran of the United States Army, Bob was drafted into service and had been stationed in both Germany and France. Following his time in the Army, Bob began his career as a welder with Bethlehem Steel, retiring after 35 years of service.

Bob enjoyed stock car racing, building and working on stock cars, traveling to auctions and flea markets and day trips to Maria's Sub Shop in Baltimore. Additionally, he had been very active in several recreation councils during his time in Maryland, as well as the Highland County Recreation Commission following retirement. During his time working with these groups Bob most enjoyed serving as umpire for softball and baseball games, and was known by the players to always make fair calls.

Above all, Bob was a family man and will be remembered as a provider, who ensured his children knew how to take care of themselves and learned to respect others.

Surviving family members include is his wife of 42 years, Harriett Ellen (Peck) Whitelaw of Monterey; daughters, Cathy Ann Beckner of Gainesville, Fla., Wanda Jean Mooney of Monterey, and Mary Elizabeth Whitelaw of Hot Springs; son, Nicholas "Nick" W. Whitelaw of McDowell; step-sons, David Brooks and Kenneth Brooks of North Augusta, S.C; grandchildren, Rick and Kelly Arnold, Gregory and Shelby Beckner, Joseph Aaron, Christopher Whitelaw, Joshua Earling; step-grandchildren, Nathan Brooks, Justin Brooks, Jessie Fields, Danielle Brooks, Zack Brooks; great-grandchildren, Levi Whitelaw, Aiden Whitelaw, Autumn Whitelaw, and Taylor, Jaida and Madison Jack; great great granddaughter, Alessa Anderson; brothers, William "Bill" Whitelaw of Baltimore, Md. and Fred A. Whitelaw of Monterey; and sister, Susan Murray and husband, Ed of Sykesville, Md.

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by a great-grandson, Michael; and brother, Donald "Tom" Thomas Whitelaw.

A memorial service will be held and announced at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Bob Whitelaw Memorial Fund, c/o Blue Grass Valley Bank, P. O. Box 516, Monterey, VA 24465.

The family would like to send a special thanks to Bob's caregiver, Jennifer Campbell, for her dedication and care.

The Obaugh Funeral Home, McDowell, Virginia, is handling the arrangements.