AMERICUS — Joseph Tallie Whitaker Jr., 85, of 400 Plantation Ridge Drive, died at his residence Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015. A native of Americus, he was born July 18, 1929, the son of the late Joseph Tallie and Burksie Ridgeway Whitaker. Mr. Whitaker was a member of Salem United Methodist Church, MB Council Lodge No. 13 F & AM and a past member of the Elks Club. He was a retired master sergeant from the Army National Guard and was the owner of Whitaker’s Exon in Americus.

A memorial service will be held Monday, 11 a.m. March 2, 2015, at Salem United Methodist Church with the Rev. Lawrence Wiggins and the Rev. Bill Dupree officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Phoebe Sumter Hospice, P. O. Box 1434, Americus, GA 31709, Salem United Methodist Church, 903 Upper River Road, Americus GA 31709 or to the charity of one’s choice.

Survivors include his wife, Anetha Whitaker of Americus; two daughters and son-in-law, Mary Elsie Castleberry of Rising Fawn, Ala., and Aimee and Phillip Hornsby of Iron City; four sons and daughters-in-law, David and Betsy Whitaker of Charleston, S.C., Frank and Tricia Whitaker of Americus, Tommy and Jody Whitaker of Buena Vista and Scott and Pam Whitaker of Americus; a sister, Elsie Schell of Americus and a sister-in-law, Jane Whitaker of Douglasville; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Hodges and Lawanna Whitaker of Albany, Douglas and Sue Whitaker of Griffin and Don Whitaker of Lake Sinclair; 21 grandchildren and twenty one great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Teresa Underwood Smith and a brother, Dan Whitaker.

You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts and memories by visiting www.greghancockfuneralchapel.com

Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.