David Ray Whitaker

David Ray Whitaker of Cleveland,TN, entered his eternal rest in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 4, 2025 at the age of 76. Born on October 7, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the firstborn son of P.D. Whitaker and Maxine Davis Whitaker.

David came to faith in Jesus Christ at the age of eight while attending Rock Hill Baptist Church in Rock Hill, Missouri, under the guidance of Pastor O.A.Winscott, who greatly influenced his spiritual life.

David graduated from Englewood High School in Jacksonville, Florida, and went on to earn a B.A. in psychology from Mississippi College and a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

David married Bonnie Joy Love on May 27, 1972, and were blessed with 53 years of marriage. Together, they raised two daughters, Bethany Joy Davis (Nathan Davis) and Amanda Hope Beaty (Brandon Beaty), who were the joy of his life. David was preceded in death by his father, P.D. Whitaker, his mother, Maxine Whitaker, and his younger sister, Caryn Gae Whitaker. He is survived by his wife, daughters and sons-in-law, brother, Robert Whitaker, and four grand-daughters, Katelyn Bacon (Garren Bacon), Emily Davis, Candace Beaty, and Sarah Davis.

David's career in marketing, sales, and industrial manufacturing took him to Cleveland, but his heart was always in ministry. He made many friends and memories through his love of cars and auto racing. Through his time working in real estate, he was involved for over 15 years in a volunteer ministry with Shoes for Orphan Souls, gathering over 3,000 pairs to be distributed worldwide in the name of Jesus Christ. He was also involved in Anchor Point Foundation creating curriculum for jail ministries. His faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord was the foundation of his life.

A man who loved poetry, jokes, and sharing his faith, David's life reflected the truth of 1 Corinthians 13 - a love that was patient, kind, and enduring. He lived to serve others and to point them toward Christ, always reminding those around him of the importance of living in the center of God's will. He never met a stranger and was quick to share his humor and his faith.

A Celebration of David's Life service will be held at Companion Funeral Home - The Ridge Chapel on Friday, August 15th at 6:00pm. Visitation with family will be held prior to the service from 2:00-6:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Buckner Shoes for Orphan Soles in his honor.