Known for his sense of humor and his refusal to let anything or anyone get him down, Robert M. Whitehead, 79, of Windsor, passed on to a new life, Saturday, April 11 at the Riverside Healthy Living Community in Smithfield.

Born in Franklin, Mr. Whitehead was the youngest of the two sons of Virginia R. Whitehead of Windsor and Robert W. Whitehead, originally of Sebrell. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, William H. "Billy" Whitehead of Windsor.

After graduating from Windsor High School in 1959, Mr. Whitehead worked for 44 years at the Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., retiring in 2003 as a pipe-fitting department inspector. During this time, he also enrolled in college classes. When not working, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, having held the state record for catching the largest gar and having earned numerous fishing citations. By the age of 34, he had several nine to 12-point trophy bucks to his name, his first being mounted when he was only 15 years old.

Swift and accurate with a gun, Mr. Whitehead learned respect for weapons from his father and the Boy Scouts. Most Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at his home included a turkey he won from area shooting contests.

In his later years, Mr. Whitehead taught himself how to pick a little on the guitar and mandolin; he enjoyed listening to local country musicians play and was a long-time fan of Hank Williams Sr. A few years after retirement, he served as the master of the Purdie Masonic Lodge in Windsor, and he was a 32 ^nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason.

A country boy at heart, Mr. Whitehead resided not far from where he grew up and never forgot his roots.

His survivors, all whom he loved dearly, include three daughters and two grandchildren: Bobbie Whitehead of Windsor, his best friend who referred to him as her "rock;" Kim Clarke (Troy) of Smithfield; Cheryl Renee Whitehead (Naomi) of Arlington; Grandson Ben Whitehead of Windsor, his best buddy; and Granddaughter Sophie Whitehead-Thomas of Arlington.

Among Mr. Whitehead's accomplishments, his greatest was his service to his family; he was a dedicated son, father, grandfather and hard-working family provider. He was the calm in any family storm, always known for saying,"Everything will work out."

A private graveside service will be held with Rev. Tim Rawls officiating.  Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.