Mr. Clayton Whitaker, 79, of Rockwood, TN, passed away Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at his home after a courageous battle with mesothelioma lung cancer. He was born June 9, 1928 in Knox County, TN. Mr. Whitaker was an electrician with Roane Electric Furnace for 25 years; a U.S. Navy veteran and served on the USS New Jersey. He was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church, Rockwood. He was a loving husband, father & grandfather. Preceded in death by father, John W. Whitaker; mother, Sallie Ford Whitaker; brother, Johnny Whitaker, sisters, Ruth Whitaker & Barbara Nelson; grandson, Jeff Whitaker, who was the love of his life.
Survivors include:
Wife of 60 years:
Kathleen Harris Whitaker, his caregiver, of Rockwood, TN
Loving daughter & caregiver:
Diana Palmer & husband, Alvin of Rockwood, TN
Sons, which he was so proud of:
Terry Whitaker & wife, Darlene of Rockwood, TN
Michael Whitaker & wife, Karmna of Ooltewah, TN
Grandchildren & their spouses, who were all loved dearly:
Angela Bane, Gary Whitaker & fiancée Christie Mullins,
Vanessa Whitaker, Kevin & Amanda Whitaker,
Sondra & Mike Weeks, MeShel & Donnie Harrington,
Jonathan & Shannon Whitaker, Andy & Kim Palmer
Brother:
Ivine Whitaker & wife, Doris of New Tazewell, TN
Sisters:
Zelda Soloman of Knoxville, TN
Louise Nelson & husband, Howard of Knoxville, TN
Sister-in-law:
Louise Whitaker of Knoxville, TN
11 Great Grandchildren; 3 Step Great Grandchildren
Several nieces & nephews
Special friend:
Jim Cate of Rockwood, TN
Thanks to Covenant Hospice nurses: Joanne Spurling, Cleata Gardner, Tracy Edwards, Chaplain Tom Radford and all who helped for their love & care.
Pall bearers: Kevin, Gary & Jonathan Whitaker, Larry Day, Tony & Matthew Bane. Honorary pall bearers: Andy Palmer, Bennie & J.W. Whitaker.
The family will receive friends Saturday, March 15, 2008 from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. at Evans Mortuary in Rockwood. Funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Harold Newby officiating. Graveside service will be in the Roane Memorial Gardens in Rockwood with full military honors by the Roane County Military Memorial Honor Guard.
Guestbook Entries
I will always love you and you will be missed dearly.
Samantha (Ledbetter) Odom (Columbia, TN)
"A" Shift at Toho
Toho Tenax of America (Rockwood, TN)
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Teresa Redmon (Kingston, TN)
sorry for the loss of your loved one. wish I could be there.
Jay Jones (Bartlett, TN)
Our Deepest Sympathy
Mr. & Mrs. Ross Jones (Gastonia, NC)
GOD BLESS YOU
Joe Boyd (Rockwood, TN)
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