Robert Lee Whitfield, 69, of 118 Burnetts Court, Suffolk, transitioned Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, at Sentara Obici Hospital. He was a native of Suffolk and the son of the late George Edward Whitfield and Rosa Lee Whitfield. He was the husband of Gloria H. Whitfield.

He retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard after 39 years of service.

He leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Robin Saunders Wilkins and Dominique Parker, both of Suffolk; three sons, Daryl Knight, Sr., Edward Whitfield and Ceveon Branch, all of Suffolk; 15 grandchildren, Ryshon, Ariya, Ty’Shon, Jaceyon, Janiya, Edward Jr., Shalon, Delante Saunders, Sacorya Leggette, Samyah Leggette, Sincere Harvey, Serenity Thorne, Darryl Knight, Amir Knight and Lamon Knight; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Iris Barrett, of Suffolk, and Mary W. Hall (Rev. Elton), of Gatesville, N.C.; three brothers, George O. Whitfield, of Washington, D.C., Melvin L. Whitfield (Lisa) and Curtis E. Whitfield Sr. (Sylvia), both of Suffolk; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A joint funeral service with his wife will be held at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, at Greater First Baptist Church Orlando. Interment will be in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Condolences maybe extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home Inc.