Richie Stiles Whitaker

Whitaker, Richie Stiles

86, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a long and courageous battle with dementia and Parkinson's disease.

Born on July 23, 1939, in Anniston, Alabama, Richie grew up in Birmingham, AL and went on to graduate from the University of Florida before marrying the love of her life, Robert Dallas "Bob" Whitaker, on June 11, 1960. Richie and Bob settled in Bob's hometown of Tampa and shared 55 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2016.

Richie was known for her warmth, her hospitality, and her gift for bringing people together. She was a wonderful cook who never met a stranger and delighted in hosting family and friends for holidays, parties, and gatherings filled with laughter, love, and good food. She had a passion for making new friends, many of whom became lifelong companions.

Her love of travel shaped much of her life. For 30 years, she owned and operated Cypress Travel Center, where she organized countless trips to Europe and other destinations around the world. She not only introduced people to new places but also created opportunities for them to share experiences together. Through her travels, Richie formed deep friendships across the globe-relationships that enriched her life and the lives of those around her. She had a rare gift for creating meaningful settings where people could come together and truly enjoy one another's company.

Above all, Richie's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her sons, Dallas, (Belinda), Barry, and Campbell (Susan); her grandchildren, Suzanne (Chris), Emily (Colton), Anne (Adam), Rob (McKenzie), Lauren (Kurt), Erik, Andrew, and Audrey (Alexa); and her great-granddaughters, Sophia and Harper.

Richie will be remembered for her generosity, her adventurous spirit, and the love she poured into every relationship. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the family she adored. A celebration of life gathering will be planned for friends and family in the very near future.

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