ROY CLARENCE "CURLY" WHITAKER

   DRIPPING SPRINGS - Roy Clarence "Curly" Whitaker went home to his Savior and his wife of 50 years on Feb. 11, 2011. He was born in Seguin to Roy Cade Whitaker and Lina Elizabeth Caddell-Dusek on Jan. 13, 1938.
   Roy Clarence Whitaker, better know as Curly, was a lifelong rancher starting his career in 1956 at the legendary Nine Bar Ranch in Cypress. It was there that he and Betty started their family. In 1967, Curly and Betty along with their three sons, Bill, Brook, and Randy moved to Dripping Springs where Curly managed several ranches for the now late L.T. Byrd. Not only was Curly a real working cowboy, he later became known as "Cowboy" at Cowgirls and Lace/LeRagge Rugs. There he was, a real cowboy, dressed in starched pants, monogrammed shirts, custom boots, and his favorite Resistol. You better believe his buddies at the DS Grocery coffee table gave him a hard time about going from working cattle with men to being the eye candy who rolled fabric for the ladies. Often after eating lunch at the daycare with Betty, he could be found parked under the big oak tree in the parking lot of the church where he caught a quick nap before heading back to work. He and Betty shared their love of children and many also knew him as "Papa Curl". Curly never met a stranger and whether you knew him for years or just minutes, you never forgot him or his charming manner. Curly eventually hung up his hat and retired to Yoakum, Texas to be near his granddaughter Tara.
   Curly was preceded in death by his father; mother; wife; brother, Harry Whitaker; and long time friend, Ernest Williamson.
   Curly is survived by his brother, James Stevens "Stevie" and Vicki Dusek; sister, Beverly and Joe Zajicek; three sons, Bill Whitaker, Brook Whitaker and wife Dale, Randy Whitaker and wife Paula; six grandchildren, Tara Byrnes and husband Scott, Grant Whitaker and wife Erin, Kara Hudson and husband Delton, Kaylin Whitaker, Tiffany Whitaker, Alley Byrd; 11 great-grandchildren, Lindsey Byrnes, Caden Byrnes, Caleb Byrnes, Carson "Fred" Byrnes, Cadee Jo Byrnes, Coltin Whitaker, Cadee Miller, Julee Miller, Gracyan Hudson, Riley Hudson, and Addyson Hudson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
   Pallbearers: Grant Whitaker, Denny Williamson, Joe Williamson, Scott Byrnes, Delton Hudson, and Brian King.
   Honorary pallbearers: Caden Byrnes, Caleb Byrnes, Carson "Fred" Byrnes, Coltin Whitaker, Riley Hudson, and in Spirit Ernest Williamson.
   Visitation will be held on Tuesday Feb. 15, 2011 at Harrell Funeral Home in Dripping Springs between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
   A celebration of his life will be held at the Church of Christ in Dripping Springs on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011 at 11 a.m.
   Graveside services will follow at the Geronimo Cemetery in Seguin at 1:30 p.m.
   In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the Church of Christ in Dripping Springs.
   The family would like to express their gratification to Dr. Boysen, Dr. Tucker, the nursing staff at South Austin Hospital and to Harrell Funeral Homes for their services.
   An online guestbook is available at www.harrellfuneralhomes.com.
   Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin, TX 78745, 512-443-1366.