George Thomas Whitaker

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him .For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

George Thomas Whitaker was born in the small city of Palmetto, Arkansas on Monday, February 3, 1930. He was one among the 8 children born to George and Eria Butler Whitaker. His parents taught him that a good name is more desirable than great riches and is better than silver and gold.

He sacrificed his education to help raise and support his brothers and sisters. He was baptized as a little boy and was a life-long member of Macedonia Baptist Church where he was a dedicated member and served as a trustee.

George married the beautiful Patricia Ann Lock on Friday, February 26, 1960. Together, George and Pat shared a beautiful devotion for one another. To their inseparable and prosperous union two handsome sons were born, Kenneth and Calvin. They built their first home and started a life together that lasted 59; a love story filled with ups and downs, good and bad days, as well as, love and laughter.

He was a retired employee of both ACME Brick Company and Reynolds Metal Company. He modeled and taught his sons the value in managing, spending and saving money. 

George was an absolute hard worker and taught his sons and nephews that nothing in life is free; hard work pays off. He took his role as father seriously and didn’t believe in sparing the rod. He was a stalwart provider giving his wife and sons the best, at all times. His sons were his pride and joy. He taught them to follow the golden rule --" treat others as they would want to be treated”.

In addition to being a hard worker, George was a family man. He enjoyed the simple pleasures that life offered. He found peace while farming and gardening. He was a passionate tractor enthusiast who knew just about every make and model of tractors. He could be found any day at home sitting under the tree telling stories of past and present.

His life was rewarding, full, and blessed. On Sunday, June 23, 2019 he slipped the bonds of this life for a life in eternity. He lived 1, 072 months, 4,664 weeks, 32, 651 days, 783,634 hours, 47, 018,044 minutes and 2, 821, 082, 640 seconds. His independent spirit, iron will, and strong character will never be duplicated, but leaves an impression on the lives of those he touched and enriched along this life’s journey.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Mary W. Delamar, Milton Whitaker (November 24, 2015), Robert Whitaker (January 28, 2019) and Marvin Edward Whitaker (February 3, 2019).

A lifetime of love and memories will be forever remembered by his wife: Patricia A. Whitaker; his sons, Kenneth Whitaker and his wife, Linda of Natchitoches, LA and Calvin Whitaker and his wife, Sharon of Milwaukee, WI; a granddaughter raised as a daughter, Shara “Tasha” Means and her husband, Christian of Little Rock and a grandson raised as a son, Kevin Whitaker and his wife Chariss of Milwaukee, WI. He also leaves a strong legacy of twelve grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren; one brother and best-friend, Charles Whitaker (Geneva) of Sparkman; two sisters, Bessie Bowman of St. Louis, MO and Erma Jean Yarber of Kansas City, MO; and a sister-in-law, Bessie Whitaker of Springhill, LA. He also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.as well as, a legion of nieces, nephews, and an innumerable number of cousins; a special friend, Joe Henry Johnson and several other friends.

Public visitation will be Friday, June 28, 2019 from 12 noon until 3:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home. The family will greet and receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church. A celebration of his life will be shared at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2019at Macedonia Baptist Church.  Interment will be at Houston-Turner Cemetery in Dalark, Arkansas.

Active pallbearers will be his nephews Kevin Whitaker, Roderick Jenkins, Kendall Quarles, Carlos Whitaker, Todd Whitaker and Cordell Whitaker.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Arthur Whitaker, Robert Whitaker, Jr., Charles H. Whitaker, Jeffery Whitaker, Henry Whitaker, Willie Eason, Roy Milton Whitaker, David Whitaker, Mark Whitaker, Sammy Whitaker, Gene Whitaker, Orlando Whitaker, Brian Whitaker, great nephews and cousins.