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Raymond WHITAKER Obituary
During Col. Whitaker's military service, he served 33 years active duty beginning as a fighter pilot during WWII flying the P-47, the KC-97 mid air refueler during the cold war and the C-123 in support for the 5th Special Forces group in Vietnam. He flew in excess of 5000 air hours, over half of them in combat. He served our country in three wars: WWII, Korea and Vietnam, where he received multiple decorations which included many Air Medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He was a warrior and Christian to the end.
He was born in Springfield, Mass., on Dec. 2, 1921, and married Mary Claudine Jackson of Dunn, N.C., where they lived for most of his retirement years, later moving to Newport News in 1999.
A husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, brother and loyal friend, he also served on many boards and organizations, sang in the choir, served as deacon and elder in the Presbyterian Church and was a member of the Lions Club. He was instrumental in creating and establishing the General W. C. Lee Museum in Dunn, N.C. He and his wife lived all over the world from Turkey to Hawaii. Always thinking of others, he was selfless and dedicated to doing what was right, no matter the cost to him.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Claudine Jackson Whitaker; a daughter, Johanna Keefe and husband, Michael of Yorktown; son, Raymond Whitaker, Jr. and wife, Sarah of Gibsonville, N.C.; and will be dearly missed by his four granddaughters, Mary Morgan, Katherine, Erin and Gwendolyn; he is also survived by five great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 11, 2010, at Peninsula Funeral Home. Memorial services to celebrate his life will be held at 12:30 p.m. Monday, July 12, at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church officiated by Dr. Michael T. Condrey. Burial will take place at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond WHITAKER
Frank Deering
July 13, 2010
We will keep you in our prayers, very sorry to hear of Raymonds passing.
Frank & Nancy
July 13, 2010
I knoa Mr. Whittaker was a very special Baba to Mary and I regret his passing for her and the family. It would take a very special man to earn the love and absolute trust of the precoscious and lovely Mary Morgan, losing those talented individuals is never easy. I don't believe they leave us until they know we are ready and strong enough with their spirit to continue the paths of our lives.
My condolences on your loss.
Sherry Massey (Laura's Mom)
July 12, 2010
To Ray and Sarah, and all the Whitaker clan, we are so sorry for your loss. When you look up in the sky at a jet con-trail, or birds flying high - you might feel that he's there -in his element again, soaring, -just enjoying the view, the peace and freedom, and looking out for you! -- Love you, -- Gary and Bonnie Triplett
kenn champney
July 12, 2010
ray sr.& whit have always believed in me & i admire both in turn kenn champney rn
Laura Brumback
July 11, 2010
For the past 16 years, Mary Morgan has been the one friend closest to my soul, and in all that time I would be hard pressed to tell you how often she has spoken of her Baba. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Whitaker face to face once, and he was a fine man. I know, at least a portion, of how important he has been to Mary, and how much she has always loved him. My heart breaks for you all, and I wish I could do more. You have my love and prayers. -Laura
Beverley Howard
July 10, 2010
Your family is in my prayers. So sorry for your loss.
Beverley Weeks Howard
Walter Weeks
July 10, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
France and Shaun Heady
July 10, 2010
On behalf of Jean, Sheila, Iris, and Jean's other children and their families, we wish to electronically express our condolences and send hugs and blessings to Jackie, Johanna, Whit, and families.
We feel blessed to have been able to bring Jean for a visit on June 19th. It was a brief visit but well timed.
May you all continue to feel Ray's never ending love surrounding you, even though he has crossed over to the other side.
Love never dies and the heart connection to our departed loved ones is always open.
With love and blessings,
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Peninsula Funeral Home & Crematory11144 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601
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