Robert E. Whirley

Robert E. Whirley, 73 of Sebring Florida passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2015 in the comfort of his home with his loving wife by his side. Bob was formerly a resident of Sanford and Kennebunk Maine for over 30 years before moving to Florida in 2011. Bob was born August 3, 1942 in Auburn, ME to the late Ralph and Jeannette (Pratt) Whirley. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969 and while in the service, he acquired a cooking certificate.He was employed as manager for Ames Dept. Stores at various locations and retired in 1994 after 25 + years. He then went to work for the Maine Turnpike Authority as a toll collector/supervisor for 10 years before retiring again in 2004. Bob enjoyed boating, fishing, camping, traveling with his wife and cooking special dishes for family and friends. He served a term as Treasurer on the board of the Home Owners Association where he resided and was involved in various other committees.Bob is survived by his wife of 30 years, Nancy (Cote) Whirley of Sebring, FL; a son Robert Whirley Jr. and his wife Heather of St. Petersburg, FL; two sisters, Priscilla Colby and her husband Bud of Oak Island, NC and Anita Cloonan and her husband Joe of Long Island, NY; two grandchildren, Trey and Rhys Whirley of St. Petersburg, FL. Bob is also survived by several nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, neighbors and his best friend Hank Tardiff, all of whom he loved dearly. He also leaves behind his loving cat Zoe who he adored.Robert was my best friend, soul mate and the love of my life and there are no words to express how much Zoe and I miss him.A graveside service with military honors will take place on Friday, September 25th at 12noon at the Southern Maine Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Springvale.Arrangements are under the direction of the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale.Bob's family would like to thank the caring and dedicated nurses of Cornerstone Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation for the wonderful care they provided during his final days. They were outstanding!!Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations in Robert's name to Cornerstone Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation, 2590 Havendale Blvd. NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881 or to the Kennebunk Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 43, West Kennebunk, Maine, 04094.Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com