David Whittaker

David Whittaker, age 80, of Bristol, VA passed away Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was raised on a small farm in Washington County, VA; attended and graduated from Wallace High School. David was the son of the late Charles Edward and Pearly Mae Lunsford Whittaker. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte “Sis” Patrick Whittaker; three brothers, William Edward Whittaker, Thomas Alvin Whittaker and Lester Bryan Whittaker and one sister, Nola Whittaker Candler. As he was seeking a career and had a profound love for his country, he entered the U.S. Navy and was schooled, graduated and served as a Cryptologic Technician for the full term of his enlistment. He not only considered his time in the Navy as a pleasure but also a significant step in helping in his final career. He also enjoyed the many different countries that he visited, and the different ships and land areas that he had the privilege of serving on. He was awarded an Honorable discharge for his service. As his military service ended, he applied for and accepted a position with the U.S. Postal Service. In this endeavor, his duties were varied and he was very appreciative of the many different positions and the post offices that he was selected to serve and participate in. His career ended after 43 years as Postmaster in Blountville, TN. As his retirement came early and as his energy level wasn’t consistent with a slower place, he re-entered the work force and was an employee of the Bristol, TN Transit System for a long period leading to his final retirement. His interest in the environment and animals was of utmost importance and he made his retirement very rewarding by seeing that each received his undivided attention. For worship and spiritual guidance and for the excellent teaching administered, David has selected and is a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Survivors include his son, Bert Alan Whittaker and wife, Sonya of Bristol, VA; one daughter, Debra Whittaker George of Bristol, VA; two brothers, George Thurman Whittaker and wife, Charlotte of Baltimore, MD and John Gordon Whittaker and wife, Karen of Jonesboro, TN; two sisters, Laura Whittaker Pippin and husband, Donald and Betty Lucille Whittaker, all of Bristol, VA; two grandchildren, Derik Scott Smith and Tiffany Brooke Smith, both of Bristol, TN; three great-grandchildren, Jacob Smith, James “Bubba” Smith and McKinley Smith and special friends, Hagan and Carol Sue Wood. The family would like to kindly acknowledge the many kind words of sympathy, thoughtfulness, love, concern and support that each and every one has shown. The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in Moore Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by the Bristol V.F. W Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., Friday at the funeral home. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at akardfuneralhome.com Akard Funeral Home, (423) 989-4800 is serving the Whittaker family.Read Obituary