William S. Whitaker

William S. Whitaker was born on July 26, 1932, on a farm out in the country in Sugarhill, Kentucky. He was the fifth of seven children born to James and Bessie Whitaker. At the age of 3, he began his working career picking the bugs off the tobacco leaves on their farm. Later, he attended school in a one-room schoolhouse not far away. By 13, he ventured out into the big, wide world to work on farms and businesses, repairing and operating engines and machinery as he traveled as far as Kansas. Uncle Sam called his name at the age of 19, and he came home to Kentucky to join the Navy. While Bill was in Kentucky, he met the love of his life, Carol Good. They both attended a basketball game at her school with his younger brother, Murrell (Carol was a little freshman at the time). Bill asked her and some of her friends to write to him while he was overseas, and they wrote to each other for five years. Their relationship progressed from there and he proposed after only one date! They were married in January of 1957 and began their adventure together, adding a set of twin girls and a son. That wonderful pair had 65 and a half wonderful years together! Bill accepted Christ before leaving to go overseas in 1963 and was baptized at Bancroft Baptist Church right before he left. While at home, he was active in work days, and helped in constructing the sanctuary at the church. At the time, the Bancroft Baptist congregation was meeting in the original church building, which now serves as the fellowship hall. Leadership and teaching had long been a part of who Bill was; he began teaching the junior boys’ class at Bancroft, then moved on to the young married class. He served as a Commander in AWANA for thirteen years, teaching children about God and helping them memorize scripture. His favorite verse was Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Bill taught many different ages over the years, from the wild-eyed youth all the way up to Senior adults. The Navy gave Bill his training in Heating and Air, and he worked in the engine room of many ships over the years. He also was stationed here in San Diego where he “pushed boots” down at the Naval Training Center. He retired from the Navy after 22 years of active duty and remained an additional 8 years in the reserves, equalling 30 years of service to our country. Bill worked for National City for a few years after retiring from the United States Navy Reserves and began working for Bancroft Baptist Church as a custodian. He transitioned this work into his own repair company that grew into Whitaker Heating and Air, which he enjoyed for many years, joined by many friends, grandchildren, and his son, Les, for the last 10. Whitaker Heating and Air only advertised by word of mouth and flourished through Bill’s reputation. Through his company, Bill has helped many people in many different ways over the years, and always tried to have a good attitude and a smile on his face. When Bill wasn’t working, he loved to get together with his 3 kids, 10 grandkids, and 8 great-grandkids, and always had a fun time. He enjoyed going to Disneyland and SeaWorld, camping, or even just hanging out in a pool. Several times, he even drove the family across the country in a station wagon or a motorhome to visit family and friends. Bill was a die-hard Padres and Chargers fan (‘till they moved!), and he enjoyed watching basketball games, especially the Golden State Warriors, along with Kentucky and Louisville during March Madness! He loved most sports, and enjoyed bowling and playing horseshoes. Bill, Dad, Papaw, Deacon or Elder Bill was an overwhelmingly kind and loving person who leaves a legacy to be cherished by those of us who he impacted most: his wife, Carol; his children, Linda (Pat) Chiles, Brenda (Gary) DuPuy, Les (Jackie) Whitaker; his grandchildren, Nate (Garyn) Chiles, Jason (Karina) Whitaker, Philip (Meganne) Chiles, Jesse (Danielle) DuPuy, Steven (Vanessa) Whitaker, Bethany (Nathanael) Winget, Amanda DuPuy, Matt (Britta) Chiles, Josh Chiles, Ryan DuPuy; his great-grandchildren, Ellie Chiles, Westley Winget, Cohen Chiles, Laurel Winget, Oliver Chiles, Charlotte Chiles, Athena Whitaker, Callia Whitaker; and his God-children, Khie Burns and Lil William Burtese; as well as an older brother, Hershal Whitaker, among a host of other relatives and friends who will always hold him close in their hearts! Bill had just turned 90 in July, and after fighting the good fight for so long, like one of his favorite hymns, “I’ll Fly Away,” he laid down his burdens and entered the Lord’s rest on September 3rd around 11:30 p.m., joining his Savior face-to-face at last; and everyone who knew Bill knows the words that met him there: “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”

William S. Whitaker

July 26, 1932 - September 4, 2022

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William S. Whitaker

July 26, 1932 - September 4, 2022

COVID-19

Flowers & Gifts

Grief & Healing

Our Services

About Us

Obituaries

What We Do

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support