Mr. William Ralph Whitaker was born July 4, 1930 in McNairy County, Tennessee the son of the late Walter and Ella Mae Willis Whitaker. He was united in marriage to Ruby Kiser on October 24, 1954.
Mr. Whitaker was a retired drywall contractor, and was a Methodist in belief. He enjoyed woodworking and gardening in his spare time. Mr. Whitaker was also a United States Army Veteran of the Korean War.
Mr. Whitaker departed this life on October 13, 2005 in Selmer, Tennessee at the age of 75 Years, 3 Months, 9 Days.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ruby Kiser Whitaker of Selmer, Tennessee; six sons: Eugene Whitaker & wife Elaine of Bethel Springs, Tennessee, Charlie Whitaker & wife Darlene of Selmer, Tennessee, Robert (Bo) Whitaker & wife Susan of Tampa, Florida, Duke Whitaker & wife Susan of Selmer, Tennessee, Ricky Whitaker & wife Missey of Selmer, Tennessee, and Larry Whitaker of Selmer, Tennessee; a sister, Shirley Montgomery of Bethel Springs, Tennessee; 2 grandsons: Walt and Steven Whitaker; 1 step-grandson: Michael Holzheuser; 6 granddaughters: Heather Ellsworth, Pepper Keaton, Jenny, Macy, Sophie and Maggie Whitaker; 2 step-granddaughters: Regina Owens and Jessica Franks; 3 great-grandsons: Hayden Keaton, Caleb Holzheuser and Andrew Owens; and 6 great-granddaughters: Jennifer, Amber, Erica and Olivia Owens, and Kylie and Lexie Ellsworth.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Whitaker was also preceded in death by a son, Don Whitaker.