John Sam Whitaker

John Sam Whitaker stepped into Heaven on November 16, 2025. He was born June 24, 1935 to a coal mining family in Hazard Kentucky. He went to Blue Diamond School and later attended Lee College where he graduated Valedictorian in 1958. He continued his love of learning and multiple degrees and later became a school teacher. He taught for over 40 years in various schools and never lost his love for preaching and teaching.
In 1955 he met and married Georgie Hughes and they shared life together for over 70 years, ministering together for over 50 years. He had 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.
He was a great Bible scholar and lover of the Word of God. He loved serving the Lord and bringing others to know him. After retirement he served in prison ministry, changing lives and leading thousands to Jesus.
He was loved by all who knew him and leaves a legacy that will live on through his family, every soul saved, and The Godly example he set for us.
He is survived by his wife, of 70 years, Georgie Whitaker; son, Mark (Ginny) Whitaker; daughters, Nita (Freddie) Dodson, Celia (Phil) Thompson, Quetta (Joe) McGinnis; sister, Donna Peterson; brothers, Benny Whitaker and Greg Francis; grandchildren, Daniel ( Becky) Dodson, Derick (Tiffany) Dodson, Amanda (Clay) Hudson, Alyssa (Jon Mark) Ray, Johnathan (Maegan) Chadwick, Holly (Chad) Humphrey, Dana (Cory) Bray, Dante Thompson, Laci (Nate) Smitherman, Mahayla (Austin) McGraw; seventeen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Sam Whitaker; mother, Dora Francis; brother, Dillo Whitaker; sisters, Wilma Jones and Ollie Bailey.
Funeral services will be held at 1pm Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Jason Lee officiating. Burial will be in Fisher Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11am until service time Wednesday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Daniel Dodson, Derick Dodson, Johnathan Chadwick, Clay Hudson, Jon Mark Ray, Nate Smitherman, Austin McGraw, Cory Bray, Chad Humphrey.