David Whitaker

1936 - 2026

David Adair Whitaker Jr., of Richmond, Virginia, passed away on Monday, January 19, with family at his bedside. David was preceded in death by his wife Patricia Ann Barnes, and is survived by his daughter Teresa Escobar, and sons Scott and Todd Whitaker.

Born in Pulaski, Virginia, in 1936 David was the beloved son of Mildred and David Whitaker. David earned his BS from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1959, received an MS in Economics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1965, and completed his PhD in Economics at the University of Florida in 1971. David joined the faculty at the University of Richmond where he taught for more than 30 years, served as Economics Department Chairman, and received the University's Distinguished Educator award.

David also served as an officer in the US Navy graduating from OCS in 1959, and was stationed at Charleston, SC, and later at Norfolk VA. Once his active duty service was complete, David remained in the Naval Reserve retiring in 1995 as a Captain. In addition to teaching, David founded several local businesses, and provided consulting services on numerous public and private development projects throughout Virginia.

David was completely devoted to his family, and warmly welcomed his children's spouses - Steve Escobar, Cristina Salmeron, and Kristy Kennedy - into his home and heart. David was immensely proud and supportive of his eight adoring grandchildren: Christopher, Meagan, Austin, Spencer, Blake, Anna, Connor, and Abbey.