Joe Robert Whitaker

Joe Robert Whitaker was born in Gainesville, Georgia on February 6, 1932 and went to his heavenly home on January 24, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents John Robert Whitaker and Ethel Garrett Whitaker.

Mr. Whitaker is survived by his wife of 68 years Shirley Williams Whitaker of Gainesville, Georgia; son and daughter-in-law John and Robbie Whitaker of Dawsonville, Georgia, son Robert Allen Whitaker of Marietta, Georgia, son and daughter-in-law Jeff and Karen Whitaker of Gainesville, Georgia; grandchildren Sam and Mary Ann Thomas, Christina and Chris Moore, Aubrey and Michael Conners, Maura Whitaker, Jeremy Anderson and Cyan Whitaker; great-grandchildren Samantha and Kimberly Thomas, Myles Irwin, Carmen and Charlotte Moore.

Mr. Whitaker graduated from Gainesville High School where he played football and from North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Georgia. Upon graduation from North Georgia, Mr. Whitaker served in the United States Army and retired from the Army Reserve in 1992.

Mr. Whitaker was a lifelong member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Gainesville, Georgia. He was a member of the Longstreet Society and served as treasurer for many years.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 11:00am at St. Paul United Methodist Church on Washington Street. Rev. Geoff Grubbs and Rev. Tyler Flowers will be officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 404 Washington St. NW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501.

Online condolences can be made at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com. Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia 30501. 770-297-6200.