Eric R. Whitley, 59 of Christiansburg and formerly of Salem, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026.

He was born on June 28, 1967, in Roanoke, Va, son of Clifford R. Whitley and the late Elizabeth Elkins Whitley. Eric loved watching any form of auto racing, and truly anything automotive or mechanical related. He spent most of his life working on, or around cars and trucks, as he was an automotive technician by trade.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Sandra Harvey Whitley.

Family remaining to cherish his memory includes his father, Clifford R. “Cliff” Whitley, Jr.; his longtime companion, Linda Work; brother, Michael Whitley; sister, Danielle Whitley Marks (Dusty), and stepbrothers, Jimmy Harvey and Bryan Harvey (Karen).

The family will welcome friends on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, located in Salem. Graveside services will begin directly following visitation at 11:15 a.m. at Sherwood Memorial Park, also in Salem.

Online condolences may be expressed to the Whitley family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.