CRAIG FUNERALHOME – On Line Obits
Palm Coast, Florida
Tuesday, August 11, 2009James Terrell "J.T." Whitaker
Funeral services for James Terrell “J.T.” Whitaker, 94, of Bunnell, who passed away early Sunday morning, August 9, 2009 at the Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House, Palm Coast, will be held on Friday, August 14, 2009 at 10:30 am at the Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home, 511 Old Kings Rd. S., Flagler Beach, FL. His family will receive friends on Thursday, August 13, 2009 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the chapel of the Funeral Home. Burial will follow the funeral service at Espanola Cemetery, Espanola, FL.
James was the son of the late James H. and Emma Whitaker, born in Stroud, AL on March 21, 1915 and raised in LaGrange, GA. J.T. (Terrell) valiantly served his country during WWII as an Army Air Force Corporal with the 610th Material Squadron 13th Air Service Group in the Pacific theater stationed on Okinawa, Japan. In 1956 he moved his family to Flagler County to go to work at the Lehigh Concrete Plant in Flagler Beach. When the plant closed, he went to work at the Wadsworth Lumber Mill in Bunnell until his retirement. His passion in life was coaching the game of softball.
Over the years he took numerous teams to the Flagler County softball championships, coaching in both men and women’s league. “Mr. Whit” touched the lives of many while coaching the sport, and by teaching the importance of perseverance and dedication. He led by example, and taught his team members that the strength of the individual talents could only be fully recognized when they were complimented by the bond made complete by teamwork.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lovetta Gravitt Whitaker, three children – two sons; Ty (Sandra) Whitaker, Tab Whitaker and daughter, Tami (Jack) Rawlin. Three grandsons, Joshua (Heather) Whitaker, Jeremy (Tanya) Whitaker, Zachary Rawlins; granddaughter, Trista Rawlins, and great-granddaughter, Georgia Whitaker, all of Bunnell. Two step-granddaughters, Denise Boyett-Miller and Lee Boyett, and their families, Seville, FL.
Arrangements are in the care and trust of Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home.
