William Whitaker

Family-Placed Death Notice

WHITAKER, William Dr. William George Whitaker, Jr. of Atlanta, renowned general surgeon, went home to be with the Lord on April 6, 2008, at the age of 90. At his request, his body was donated to Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Whitaker was born in Valdosta, GA on February 16, 1918, the only son of Stacy and Bill Whitaker, Sr. He attended Valdosta High School and Emory University. In September, 1940, he married his long time sweetheart, Elise McKey (Lesee). He graduated from Emory University School of Medicine in 1942. During World War II he was a Captain in the US Army Air Corps stationed in San Antonio, TX. After the war he returned to Atlanta and completed his residency in general surgery at Grady Memorial Hospital where he was chief resident. In 1949 he began his practice with an office in the old Doctors' Building on Peachtree Street and was on the staff of Crawford Long, St. Joseph's, GA Baptist, Hughes Spalding, and Lawson General (VA) hospitals. He would make rounds during rush hour traffic and often made house calls. The last 23 years of the 47 years of his practice were at Piedmont Hospital with an office in the 35 Collier Road Building. He retired in 1996 at the age of 78, mainly because of failing eyesight. At Piedmont Hospital he was chief of in-patient surgery, chairman of the Department of Surgery, member of the Board of Trustees, and board member of Piedmont Medical Center. Also he instituted a surgical residency program at Piedmont Hospital in conjunction with Emory University. For this, the William G. Whitaker, Jr. Surgical Chair was established in his honor. He was past president oof the Atlanta Clinical Society, past president and founding member of the GA Surgical Society, past president of the GA Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, past president of the Southern Society of Clinical Surgeons, past governor at large of the American College of Surgeons, fellow of the Southern Surgical Association, and fellow of the Southeastern Surgical Congress. He also found the time to write 27 articles published in American surgical literature. He was a life member of the Capital City Club where he served on the Board of Governors. He was a former member of the Piedmont Driving Club and the Rotary Club of Atlanta. Dr. Whitaker was a devoted member of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. He believed in the principle of tithing and contributed generously to their new grand organ. Dear to his heart was the Thursday morning Bible study class of Engrafted Word Ministries, of which he was a cherished member. He enjoyed hunting and fishing at Lake Okeechobee, FL, salmon fishing in Alaska, as well as golf at Capital City Club. Dr. Whitaker helped so many people during his career and afterwards. His patients loved him not only because he was an excellent surgeon with superb God given skill and judgment, but also because he was compassionate and an attentive listener. He prayed before operating and was an effective witness for his savior Jesus Christ. He will be greatly missed. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Virginia Corn. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lesee and his four sons: Dr. William G. Whitaker, III and his wife, Susan of Atlanta; Dr. Julian M. Whitaker and his wife, Connie of Corona Del Mar, CA; Richard E. Whitaker of Atlanta; and Robert B. Whitaker and his wife, Karen of Metairie, LA. His grandchildren include Elise Whitaker Googe and her husband Trey, Yancey Whitaker Bradley and her husband Dan, Julian M. Whitaker, Jr., Conrad Whitaker, Louisa Whitaker, Max Whitaker, Bryant Whitaker, and Blaire Whitaker. He is survived by five great-grandchildren and by his long time faithful friend and family assistant Rosemary Wadewitz. The family greatly appreciates the compassion of the Mann House caregivers for the past three years. A memorial service for Dr. Whitaker will be held at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 12 at 11:30 am with Dr. Don Harp officiating. Afterwards the family will receive friends at a reception in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Peachtree Road United Methodist Church at 3180 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30305, or Piedmont Hospital Foundation at 1968 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30309. DR. WILLIAM GEORGE WHITAKER, JR.