Ronald E. Whitley, 75, formerly of Hillsboro, died peacefully from cancer on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at his home.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 6, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Staab Funeral Home in Sherman. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 7, at the funeral home, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery, with military honors being conducted.
Dr. Whitley was born on Sept. 25, 1948, to the late R.G. and Millie Whitley, who raised him in Hillsboro.
After graduating from MacMurray College in 1970, he attended graduate school at the University of Missouri before entering the U.S. Army, proudly serving from June of 1971 to June of 1973. He was assigned as a researcher at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Washington, DC.
After graduating from the University of Illinois School of Medicine with AOA honors in 1977, he completed a general surgery residency at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, VA in 1982.
He remained there as a faculty member in the general surgery and trauma division until 1983, when he joined Surgical Associates of Richmond and practiced at Chippenham Medical Center and Johnston-Willis Hospital until 2002. While there, he served as president of Surgical Associates of Richmond, chief of surgery at Chippenham Medical Center and chief of trauma at both Chippenham and Johnston-Willis hospitals.
After starting a family later in life, Dr. Whitley relocated to Macomb with his family, where he joined Western Illinois Surgical Associates, and practiced there until retirement in 2015. Throughout his 37-year career, he felt privileged and blessed in the way patients put their blind trust in his hands, and he derived immense satisfaction from caring for all of his patients, but especially pediatric and rural patients.
The return to his Illinois roots allowed him much more time with his children, nephews and nieces. He coached t-ball, Little League, flag football, basketball and was able to attend many school and sports activities for his children and nephews.
After retirement, Dr. Whitley volunteered as adjunct faculty at the SIU School of Medicine where he lectured medical students and taught surgical skills in a skills lab for students entering surgical specialties. In retirement, he cherished his membership in West Side Christian Church and time with family and friends especially at their farm where they fished, hunted, swam and rode ATVs.
After a blessed personal and professional life filled with faith, amazing kids, a loving family, lifelong friends and dedicated colleagues, he viewed his final years as a time to reflect and practice gratitude for all God’s blessings. His final hopes and prayers were that Sean, Shannon, Jude, Luca and the rest of his family and friends enjoy a spiritually enriched life benefiting them, their families and others in need.
Dr. Whitley is surived by his son, Sean Whitley; daughter, Shannon (Keller) Nigh; grandsons, Jude Bingaman and Luca Nigh; brothers, Dennis and Larry; nephews, Mitch, Reece and Aaron Whitley; niece, Kristy (Brian) Paar; great-nieces, Larissa Paar and Olivia Whitley; and great-nephew, Brady Paar.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, West Side Christian Church or Tunnels To Towers.
Condolences may be left at www.staabfuneralhomes.com.
