Wayne King Whittaker, 82, died peacefully on November 1, 2023 at his residence in Citrus Springs, Fla. He was born into this life on November 12, 1940 in Blacksburg, Va., and was the son to the late Frank and Sara (Robins) Whittaker. Wayne moved to Florida in 1997 from Gloucester, Va. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and retired from the Naval Weapons Station after 35 years. His passion for cars led him to join the Citrus County Cruisers car club. Besides his love for cars, Wayne volunteered his time as a member of the American Legion Post #155 of Crystal River, Beverly Hills VFW Post #10087, Dunnellon Moose Lodge #2308, West Citrus Elks Lodge #2693 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club #4272. He enjoyed playing golf, darts, billiards, going on cruises and showing off his 1955 Ford truck. Wayne will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Wanda Moore Whittaker; brother, Frank Whittaker Jr.; sister, Lois Jane Whittaker Robinson, and his bonus son, Philip Cole.
Those left to cherish his memories are his sons, Tony Whittaker of Deerfield Beach, Fla. and Terry Whittaker of Hernando, Fla.; his daughter, Lori Arnder (Jon) of Hayes, Va.; his fiancée, Linda Cole of Citrus Springs; his bonus son, Shane Cole (Lisa); his nieces, nephews, cousins, bonus grandchildren, friends and his two furry companions, “Jake” and “Tucker.”
Contributions can be made in Wayne’s memory to the Humane Society of Citrus County, P.O. Box 2283, Inverness, Fla. 34451 or Moose Charities at Dunnellon Moose Lodge 2308, Dunnellon, Fla.
A Committal Service was held on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla., with military honors. A Celebration of Life was held Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 10 a.m. at The Dunnellon Moose Lodge 2308, Dunnellon, Fla.
Expressions of sympathy can be left online at robertsofdunnellon.com.
Arrangements were under the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 19939 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon, Fla. 34432; 352-489-2429.