Evans – Mr. Johnny Emory Whitaker Sr. departed this life on August 1, 2010 at the Georgia War Veteran’s Home.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 10:00 AM at Central Christian Church with the Rev. Eddie K. Parker and Dr. C. Russ Holloman officiating. Burial will follow at Westover Memorial Park.
Mr. Whitaker was born in Augusta on October 1, 1928 and attended local schools. After losing both his parents in his early teens, he joined the U.S. Navy at 15 and served as enlisted and as a commissioned officer for thirty years. His last command was Harbor Clearance Unit II and the Mark 5 Deep Dive System in Little Creek, VA. His time of service included World War II, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam.
Following his retirement from the Navy, he taught at Evans Middle and Evans High School for 13 years. Many students remember him best for his admonition, “There’s no free lunch, my friends”. He was honored in 2002 and featured on the Wall of Fame at Evans High School.
Johnny was a devoted and faithful member of Central Christian Church where he served as an Elder, Chairman of the Board, adult Sunday school teacher, and church historian during his lifetime of service to his Lord and church.
He leaves behind his wife and best friend of 55 years, Sylvia June Gillion Whitaker, his daughters, Bonnie Johnston and Joanne Percival (Bryant), his son, Johnny E. Whitaker Jr., (Endia), his grandchildren, Steven Johnston, Sarah and Emily Percival, and Johnny E. Whitaker III. He is also survived by two great grandchildren, Madeline and Oliver Johnston, his sister in law, Rebecca N. Nichols as well as a niece and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Butler and Bertha Whitaker, and his brother and sister in law, Malvern R. and Evelyn M. Whitaker.
The Whitaker family would like to give a special thank you to Christine Blakely and the entire staff at the Georgia War Veteran’s Home for their care and attention during his stay with them. If so desired, memorials can be made in Mr. Whitaker’s memory to the Georgia War Veteran’s home, 1101 15th Street, Augusta, GA. 30901, or to the charity of one’s choice.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday evening, August 2, 2010 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.