Robert Benjamin Whaley Jr or Benny as he preferred, passed quietly at home on August 24 ^th , 2021 at the age of 67.  Benny was one of 8 children loved and raised by Robert Whaley Sr and Dorothy Harold Whaley.  Born in Clarksburg, West Virginia August 19 ^th , 1954 he was raised in Essex, Maryland.  Benny attended Eastern Vo-Tech, graduating in 1972 from their culinary program.  Wanting to continue his education he went on to culinary art school at the Baltimore City Community College, while working for General Motors.

Benny had a zest for living, he loved to travel, (especially the beach) taking many spontaneous trips to Daytona, a devoted Washington Redskins, West Virginia Mountaineers and a Baltimore Orioles fan he also enjoyed bowling, skating, cooking, fast cars, dancing (he could do that on skates), pretty women, shopping and family.  He enjoyed Amy Joy peanut butter and jelly donuts, a tall glass of cold milk and a good comic book or graphic novel.  His favorite dessert was German Chocolate cake although he disliked Coconut, go figure and loved a good Prime Rib.

Benny transferred to Shreveport Louisiana in 1981 continuing his career with General Motors as the start-up team at the new Shreveport plant.  Benny enjoyed going to the race track at Louisiana Downs and the casinos.  He specifically liked playing craps (have you rolled the dice yet) always looking for a first-time roller as they were lucky! His team bowling led to many friendships and finally the coveted 300 game ring.  Visiting his home in Maryland he would head for his favorite spots that he had frequented in his younger days, Little Italy's Sabatino's or Velleggia's (now closed), a pit beef place called CHAPS of Diner, Drive-Ins and Dives (oh by the way we knew about it before Guy and it is really good) Captain Harveys for a cheesesteak sub, Lexington Market for a Faidley's Maryland crab cake and a Maryland tradition the Bull and Oyster roast, all the pit beef, pit ham, sausage and raw oysters you can eat, but he also liked his charbroiled. While travelling Benny would try new restaurants and critique their specialties all the while figuring out his next dish in the kitchen.  Benny loved cooking for family and friends and hosted many Sunday dinners at his home in Shreveport, Louisiana and then Waskom, Texas.

In 1995 friends from GM and family members started a new fantasy football league called GM and Friends.  Benny hosted the football draft preparing many of his favorite dishes or trying something new (can't forget the Gumbo) at his home each summer.  Crawfish Mac and cheese was created and became a staple not only for football but for many holiday meals there-after.

Joining the Krewe of Gemini during the 2004 season led to a passion for Mardi Gras and annual trips to New Orleans to shop for beads.   Benny served as the Float Lieutenant for 10 of his 17 years with the Krewe, becoming their King Gemini XXX.  The Krewe of Gemini became part of his family and he loved meeting new people and keeping in touch with past members.  The saying "Friends are the family you find along the way" was especially true for Benny.

Benny retired from General Motors in 2010 to care for his father suffering with cancer then his mother suffering from dementia and his disabled brother.  He never regretted his choice to take the burden as caregiver for those he loved or putting his life on hold for the people he loved most.  Benny was kind, generous and loyal, he believed in working hard and taking responsibility for your actions.

Benny was preceded in death by his sister Margaret (Letty) Crow, his father Robert Whaley Sr and his mother Dorothy Whaley.  He is survived by sister Sherry Adams and husband Michael, sister Hilda Whaley, brother Michael Whaley and wife Darla, brother Eric Whaley, sister Abby Davis, brother Andrew Whaley and wife Jackie, brother Christopher Thompson as well as 15 nieces and nephews and 18 great nieces and nephews.