Roland Lee Whitley age 83 was called to his eternal rest to be with the Lord on Monday, September 8, 2025.

Roland was born August 8, 1942, in Boyle County to the union of William Clarence Whitley and Maggie Ellen (Fields) Whitley. He was the youngest of five children.

Roland was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, William, Harry, John and sister Deloris Smith. He was also preceded in death by two grandsons, Jeremy Andrews and Jaylen Whitley and a special friend Sonia Mitchell.

Roland graduated in 1960 from Danville High School, where he played basketball.

Roland professed his love in God and was an active member of St. James AME Church, Danville until relocating to Lexington.

Roland was a retiree of the Southern Railway System and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. Following his retirement from the railroad he achieved his dream and opened the family owned and operated “Chef Surprise” where he would make his famous pies and yeast rolls (a gift from his mother).

He is survived by his children, Darryl (Ann) Whitley, Jeffrey (Robin) Whitley, Bernard (Kassi) Whitley and daughter Kimberly (Rev. Phillip) Johnson. A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and bonuses, cousin, Ted (Kim) Fields, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Service will be held at 12:30 pm, Saturday, September 13, 2025, at St. James AME Church, 124 E. Walnut St. Danville, KY, Rev. Ralph Smith, Pastor. Visitation will begin at 11:30 am until time of service. Burial will follow at Danville Memorial Gardens, 4627 Stanford Rd., Danville, Kentucky

Please keep the family in your prayers.