04/27/2026
Mr. William Herbert Whitaker, 80 of Fayetteville was the fifth child of eight children born to the late John William Whitaker of Moore County, Tennessee, and Myrtle Beatrice Baker Whitaker of Franklin County, Tennessee, both of whom preceded him in death.
“Bill,” as he was referred to by his family, attended Mt. Zion Elementary School in Belvidere, Tennessee, and in 1964, graduated from Townsend High School in Wi******er, Tennessee. Bill later received an Associate Degree from the Community College of the Air Force.
Bill entered into Holy Matrimony in 1973 with Tollie Mae Polk of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, who also preceded him in death. To this union, three children were born: William Jonathan, Alicia Roslind, and Stephen Lavelle.
Shortly after high school, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served for 26 years. He served tours in Vietnam, the Middle East, Italy, as well as throughout the United States. During his career, he worked as a medic and, in his off-duty time, as an EMT. While in California, Bill earned his pilot’s license. He also assisted with remote mail delivery and medical flights in Alaska and served as the only medical professional on a remote base in Italy. After retiring from the Air Force, Bill returned home to Tennessee, where he managed the Radio Shack in Tullahoma for many years and later became a district manager. He retired from Radio Shack in 2010. Never one to let the grass grow under his feet or sit still too long, he eventually decided retirement wasn’t for him and began training to become a truck driver. If there was a road to travel, Bill found it. He drove for Prime Trucking Company for six years before selling his truck and stepping away due to health reasons.
Bill had a deep love for history, the Bible, and the lake. He was an avid genealogy researcher, often going the extra mile—literally—searching through old, neglected, and abandoned cemeteries, especially forgotten slave and black (Colored) burial grounds, looking for pieces of his family’s story. Though he grew up in Beans Creek Primitive Baptist Church, he never formally joined. He knew the Bible well and believed in following its teachings, but the lake became his church. There, he found peace, stillness, and connection. If you were ever looking for him, chances are you would find him at Lost Creek, right where he felt most at home.
On April 24, 2026, in the afternoon, surrounded by his family, Bill quietly transitioned this life. In his final moments, he opened his eyes, took in the room around him, and then rested.
He leaves to cherish his loving memory his children: William Jonathan Whitaker of Fayetteville, Alicia R. Whitaker Colyar (Dean Colyar) of Tullahoma, and Stephen Lavelle Whitaker of Nashville; and an adopted nephew, Julian F. Gaines of Dallas, Texas. He also leaves one sister, Elvira W. McCandless of Birmingham, Alabama; 14 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; 3 nephews; a special long-time friend, William Henry Horton; and a host of family and friends.
Bill lived a full and meaningful life—serving his country, caring for others, and doing things his own way. If he were here, he’d likely give that familiar half-smile and tell us not to make a fuss… but we’re going to anyway.
Visitation, Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 10:00am-11:00am at J. A. Welton & Son Funeral Home with the Funeral service following at 11:00 am. Interment with full military honors will follow at Simmons Cemetery in Belvidere.
Please keep the family of Mr. William Whitaker in your thoughts and prayers.
