Samuel Irwin Whitaker, 94, of Nashville, died Friday November 22, 2024 in the Langdale Hospice House from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

He was born November 25, 1929 in Ben Hill County to the late Cecil Irwin Whitaker and the late Gladys Elizabeth Wright Whitaker. He was a retired civil warrant officer (C-4) in the United States Army where he served 26 years. He was decorated soldier, received numerous awards, including the Bronze Star, served in Vietnam and the Korean Conflict. After retirement, he worked for Litton Data Systems as a system engineer, completing military contracts and programming. He enjoyed traveling, fishing in Alaska, carpentry and driving his motor home. He was the past president and membership chairman for the Fleetwood Motorhome Club. He was a loving father, grandfather, could fix anything and was a man of integrity who always gave great advise. He was member of Flat Creek Church and was also a Shriner. He was preceded in death by his wives: Virginia Rowell Whitaker and Mary Alice Murray Whitaker who also died in the accident; son: Samuel I Whitaker II; sister: Nan Carter; 2 brothers: Wright Whitaker and Woodard Whitaker

He is survived by his daughter: Cynthia Erbeck of Bunnell, FL; 4 grandchildren: Steven (Sequoia) Erbeck of Murrieta, CA, Whitney (Michael) Williams of Martinsville, VA, Adam Erbeck of Murrieta, CA and Jesse (Amy) Erbeck of Boise, ID; 10 great grandchildren: Kyra Erbeck, Vienna Erbeck, Abigail Williams, Micah Williams, Hannah Williams, Ryder Erbeck, Kinsley Erbeck, Brylee Erbeck, Liam Erbeck and Aubrey Erbeck; 2 sisters: Betty Lindsey of Connecticut and Carlese (Norris) Wood of Connecticut; sister-in-law: Diane Whitaker of Georgia. He is also survived by the family of Mary Alice Murray Whitaker who he loved so much.

His family will honor his request for cremation. His life will be remembered during the service of his wife Mary Alice on Tuesday November 26, 2024 at 2 PM in the Chapel of Lovein Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Shriner's Children's Hospital or the charity of choice.