John Whitley celebrated his 100th birthday on Saturday, April 5 at Mission BBQ in Roanoke with family and friends.
Born on April 4, 1925, in Oakboro, North Carolina, he served his country in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946 during World War II. He then moved to Roanoke and began work at a hosiery mill in Salem with his brothers.
He opened several local restaurants including The Coach House, Lakeland Drive-In, Little Tex, and Tastee-Freeze. In 1976, John began a new chapter in real estate, joining Century 21–Young Realty. He retired in 2003.
John was married to his beloved wife, Loraine Whitley, for 68 years. The 100th birthday celebration, organized by his granddaughter Emily, was filled with stories, smiles and tributes.
