Author -
Submitted By -Robert “Bob” Whatley Sr.
I would like to place in memory a short tribute of a true lineman brother to our trade and a very good friend to myself and many others. Bob lost his battle with colon cancer on April 13th, 2002. Bob was employed with Jackson Electric Membership Corporation in Jefferson, Georgia as a Safety Specialist and Lineman Trainer. He was responsible for organizing and inspiring the Jackson EMC lineman’s rodeo team which has taken top honors at Kansas City. Bob was very proud of the accomplishments of these young men, and left his dedication and wisdom to inspire their future performances.
Bob formerly worked with the Georgia Power Company in the Athens Division, later Oglethorpe Power Corporation and at the time of his death, Jackson EMC. He loved the trade, and was an inspiration to many including myself with his very high standard of morality and leadership. There was never a finer man in the lineman trade. Many of us miss Bob, his strong voice that carried well, and his words of wisdom from within his heart about our trade and also living for Jesus Christ. The only projects that Bob left unfinished were the ones he started within our hearts. If you are hoping for a power line construction job in heaven, look Ole Bob up, you would do well if he is running the crew.