Herman Harmon Whitaker, Jr.

Herman Harmon Whitaker, Jr. of Inman, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2025 after an extended illness. Born March 3, 1933, he was raised and remained in lnman his entire life. He was the son of the late Herman H. Whitaker, Sr., and Geneva Muse Whitaker. He was the loving and faithful husband of Ann George Whitaker for over 57 years, having married August 25, 1967.

Herman graduated from Inman High School in 1952. While there he participated in many school activities but always claimed FFA as his favorite. This would lead to a lifetime of farming and conservation work.

A proud veteran of the Korean War, Herman enlisted in the Navy shortly after graduation from high school. He drove to Columbia with other students from Inman and Gaffney and took a train to San Diego, where he completed his basic training. There he boarded a ship that took him to Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan. He was assigned to Yard Oiler 116. He spent two years stationed in Sasebo, Japan, where he served as Chaplain's Mate.

He returned to Long Beach and received orders to board the USS Herbert J. Thomas (833) where he served in the personnel office. Herman received an honorable discharge from full time duties on May 25, 1956. He remained in the US Naval Reserves until 1976. He was a member of the lnman Post 45 American Legion. Upon discharge, Herman attended Spartanburg Methodist College. Upon graduation he continued his education at Limestone College earning a degree in History and Economics in 1960.

After Limestone, Herman accepted a job in the personnel office of Lyman Printing and Finishing. In 1963 he accepted a position at Beaumont Mills, beginning his long association with Spartan Mills.

Later in 1963 he moved to Startex Mills as assistant personnel manager. He later would be promoted to personnel manager, a position he would hold at Startex until his retirement in 1998. While at Startex he was very active in Spartan's United Way program. He also was an active member of the Spartanburg Area Human Resource Association.

Herman was a lifelong member of Inman First Baptist Church where, through the years, he served in many positions: usher, deacon, youth Sunday school teacher, young married couples Sunday school teacher, Bible school worker, nursing home ministry speaker, and church clerk.

Herman was a noted cattleman, gardener, and conservationist who loved to spend time outdoors, especially at his farm. He was known for his tomatoes and, later in life, his love for daylilies. His most notable conservation effort was his desire to help repopulate the Eastern bluebird after it fell almost extinct. His fascination began as a boy, seeing a bluebird tend a nest in one of his father's peach trees. In 1960 he began building and placing bluebird houses. In his lifetime he placed over 350 houses and was responsible for hundreds, if not thousands, of hatchings. Inman and the surrounding area have a healthy population of these birds now due in large part to his efforts.

In addition to his wife Ann, Herman is survived by his brother-in-law Ronnie George and his wife Jean; nephew, Dr. Todd George (Rob); niece, Amanda Blackwell; great nieces, Sarah Ann and Sailor Grace Blackwell; niece, Edie Willis (Dwayne); nephew, David Whitaker (Laurie); great nieces, Emma and Hannah Whitaker; niece, Kati Whitaker (Zac Parker), sisters-in-law Shirlene Whitaker and Ruth Whitaker. He was predeceased by his younger brothers Eddie Whitaker and Ken Whitaker.

Services will be held at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at Inman First Baptist, conducted by Dr. Paul Moore, Mr. Ben Edwards and Mr. Bruce Woodfin. Visitation will be held in the church atrium from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Gardens with military rites performed by Inman American Legion Post 45.

Families will be in respective homes.

Serving as pallbearers will be Eber Blackwood, Bruno Burnette, John Edwards, David Settle, Larry Settle, Johnny Morrow, Jerry Gaines.