James "Jimmy" Arthur Whitaker

James “Jimmy” Arthur Whitaker, age 76, of Sanford, passed away on Wednesday, July 24,2019 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born in Lee County on August 17, 1942 to the late Arthur Dillard Whitaker and Jewel Hassie Clark Whitaker.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Teresa “Reecy” Keaton; two sisters, Faye McLeod and Rebecca Whitaker; two brothers, Herman Whitaker and Jerry Whitaker.  Jimmy owned and operated a service station and Jimmy’s Beer Joint in Jonesboro for many years.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Ruth Butler Whitaker; three sons, Randy Whitaker and wife, Lisa of Holly Springs, Paul Whitaker and wife, Rose of Sanford, George Whitaker of Sanford; daughter, Wendy Cole and husband, Mark of Sanford; step-son, William Wilson of Sanford; step-daughter, June Potts of Sanford; two sisters, Janice Goodwin of Olivia, Brenda Hall and husband, Alton of Cameron; fifteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 28, 2019 from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Calvary Missionary Methodist Church.  The funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM with Rev. Curtis Norris officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

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