William C. Whitaker

William Whitaker, Sr. (a.k.a. Billy Bob) was born on August 1, 1951. He was a loyal son to his parents William and Mary Whitaker, a devoted husband to his wife of 52 years, Patti Whitaker, and dedicated father to his four children. As a young man, Bill attended Corpus Christi and Delaware Technical and Community College. Following a decades- long career as a united autoworker, Bill retired from General Motors.

Bill was an avid fisherman who landed Alaskan salmon, Florida tarpon and more than his fair share of trout. He loved the outdoors, hunting and shooting (creatively adding venison to any number of recipes), and shared his love of cooking with family, friends, and co-workers alike. As a die hard Cowboys fan, through innumerable wins and handful of losses alike, he proudly hung a Cowboys flag outside his home which was firmly planted in Eagle's fan territory.

Above all else, he worked selflessly and tirelessly raising a beautiful family with Patti, the love of his life. Together, Bill and Patti welcomed five grandchildren into their ever growing family tree grounded in dedication and love. Bill also cared for those beyond his family, making sure everyone had what they needed.

On January 18, 2026, Bill passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family. His life was blessed with the truly meaningful accomplishments that would make any man proud and establish him as a legend in generations of his family to come. Bill is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his wife, his children William Whitaker, Jr., his wife Trica Whitaker, Lori Pulella, Michael Whitaker, his wife Elgin Whitaker, John Whitaker, his wife Karen Whitaker; grandchildren Kelli Pullella, Will Whitaker, Charles Whitaker, Tristan Whitaker and Fiona Whitaker; his sister Maryann Whetham and her husband Mark Whetham.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Delaware on Wednesday, January 28 from 11:00AM – 12:30PM, with funeral services immediately following.