Dale Hamilton Whittaker

Dale Hamilton Whittaker, 72, of the White Gate Community Pearisburg, Giles County, Va., departed this life on earth for Heaven on Sunday afternoon, June 21, 2009, at the family home. Dale was born in the same home on October 31, 1936, at White Gate to the late John Marvin and Nellie Hamilton Whittaker. Dale was a member of the Mount Zion United Methodist Church, a loving husband, father, and grandfather; as well as a dedicated Christian man who never met a stranger. Dale served in the United States Air Force; was employed by Western Union, Burlington Industries; and retired from the Bland Correctional Center, where he was a licensed water treatment plant operator. Dale was also the fourth generation of his family to continue the family farm operation along the banks of Big Walker Creek. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Carl Allen (Cap) Whittaker, also of White Gate. He is survived by his wife of over 48 years, Virginia Carol Whittaker; one daughter, Rhonda Dale Gusler and her husband, Mark, of White Gate; two sons, Jeffrey Marvin Whittaker and his wife, Regina, of Goodview, Va., and Craig Hamilton Whittaker and his wife, Clara, of White Gate; one sister, Josephine (Sis) Waller, of Richfield, N.C.; along with 11 grandchildren, Andrew and Molly Gusler, Todd, Maegan, Chana, Rachel, Grace, John, Susanne, Amelia, and Luke Whittaker; several nieces, nephews and cousins; his church family at Mount Zion; and his big black lab, "Bear." Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, with the Rev. Danny Shortridge officiating. Burial will be held in the Stinson Cemetery, White Gate. The visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at the funeral home after 2 p.m. and the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mount Zion United Methodist, 236 White Pine Road, Pearisburg, Va. 24134.