WHITAKER, William

Herbert, age 80, of Tullahoma, Tennessee, passedawayonApril24,2026. He was born in Belvidere, Tennessee, to the late John William Whitaker of Moore County and Myrtle Beatrice Baker Whitaker of Franklin County, Tennessee. Mr. Whitaker graduated from Townsend High School in Winchester, Tennessee, in 1964 and later earned an Associate Degree from the Community College of the Air Force. He honorably served in the United States Air Force for 26 years, retiring in October 1989. During his service, he worked as a medic and EMT and served in Vietnam, the Middle East, Italy and throughout the United States. He also earned his pilot’s license and assisted with remote mail delivery and medical flights while stationed in Alaska. Following his military service, Mr. Whitaker managed Radio Shack in Tullahoma for many years and later became a district manager, retiring in 2010. He later worked as a truck driver for Prime Trucking Company. Mr. Whitaker had a love for history, the Bible, and the outdoors. He especially enjoyed time spent at the lake and was passionate about researching his family genealogy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Tollie Mae Polk Whitaker. He is survived by his children, William Jonathan Whitaker of Fayetteville, Alicia R. Whitaker Colyar (Dean Colyar) of Tullahoma and Stephen Lavelle Whitaker of Nashville; a special nephew, Julian F. Gaines of Dallas, Texas; one sister, Elvira W. McCandless of Birmingham, Alabama; 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Visitation was held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 10-11 a.m. at J.A. Welton & Son Funeral Home with funeral services following at 11 a.m. Interment was at Simmons Cemetery in Belvidere, TN. J. A. Welton & Son Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.