Gadsden, Alabama
Visitation will be today from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and funeral service at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, at First Baptist Church of Glencoe for Dr. John Riley "Coach" Whitaker, Gadsden. Graveside service will follow at Crestwood Cemetery. Coach Whitaker passed away August 27 after a hard fought battle...
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Coach Whitaker is pictured second from left at a reunion for his late Chipola coach Milton Johnson.
Coach Riley was among the most successful of Chipola College's former basketball players. He will be missed by the entire Chipola family.
Bryan Craven
September 03, 2013 | Marianna, FL
Our hearts go out to a very special family that is loved by everyone around them! Please know that we are praying & thinking of you all at this time. We love & miss you!!
Dennis & Kay Robinson
September 02, 2013 | Cave Spring, GA
May the Lord bless the family of Dr. Whittaker. Take comfort in the outstretched arms of Jesus Christ in this time of mourning.
Shane Humphrey
September 02, 2013 | Rainbow City, UM
We have fond memories of being neighbors and church members with Riley and Marie when the girls were young. He was a fine outstanding man and father who will truly be missed. May God comfort all of you as only he can.
Dale and Pat Beck
September 01, 2013 | Maylene, AL
Mrs. Whitaker & Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am certain that Riley is having a great time talking "basketball" with Coach Johnson, Coach Houston, Coach Mitchell & any others who are up there welcoming him in. God Bless you all. My prayers are with you.
~Harriett Barron Cox, Tallahassee, FL
(formerly from Campbellton)
August 30, 2013
I was a schoolmate of Rileys at Campbellton. He was a true leader and respected by all who knew him.
Mose Barron
August 30, 2013 | Campbellton, FL
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
PAULETTE ELEY
August 30, 2013 | DENVER, NC
Coach Whitaker was a wonderful man and coach that will be missed by MANY! To his family, treasure the many priceless memories you have! He allowed me & my friend Trish Prucnal Carlisle to keep stats for the team in 1968 & when I saw him a few years ago, he laughed & said he still had not figured out exactly how we convinced him to let us travel with the team but we did keep good stats!
Brenda Fuller Estes
August 29, 2013 | Huntsville, AL
Had Coach Whitaker at GSCC and will never forget his love for teaching....no matter what the course...we have truly lost an inspiration and friend.
Kathy
August 29, 2013 | Ohatchee, AL