Billy C. Whitaker, 84, of Iuka, MS, died Friday, November 15, 2019, at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo. Mr. Whitaker was a longtime member of Fifth Street Baptist Church where he served as song director for over 40 years. Prior to retirement, he was the original founder and owner/operator of Whitaker Cleaning Service. He loved classic cars and was a member of Wheels of Northeast Mississippi Car Club. Billy also loved Southern Gospel Music and was a member of The Laymen Quartet for over 40 years. He enjoyed watching Westerns on TV, especially “Gunsmoke”. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR and Memphis Grizzlies basketball. He is survived by one son, Trampas Whitaker (Anne) of Cary, NC; one daughter, Truda Whitaker of Florence, AL; his longtime friend of 40 years, Ann Morgan of Corinth; one brother, William Whitaker of Burnsville; one sister, Kathy Austin of Burnsville; two grandchildren, Chad Whitaker of Raleigh, NC, and Mason Whitaker of Cary NC; the mother of his children, Laura Robinson Stanfield; a special nephew, Heath Whitaker (Alisha) of Iuka; and several other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Vosta Greenhaw Whitaker; his stepmother, Addie Whitaker; one brother, Gerald Whitaker; and three sisters, Marie White, Betty Taylor, and Ruby South. Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS is entrusted with arrangements. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 17, at Fifth Street Baptist Church. The body will lie in state at the church for one hour prior to service time. Services will be officiated by Bro. Tony Curtis. Interment will follow in Antioch Cemetery. Pallbearers include Billy Phillips, Jimmy Ramsey, Roger White, Tony Morgan, Todd Morgan, Chad Whitaker, Mason Whitaker, Tanner Whitaker, and Brady Whitaker. Honorary pallbearers include Gerald Essary, Herbert Booker, and the Wheels of Northeast Mississippi Car Club. Visitation is scheduled for 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Saturday, November 16, at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Memorials may be made to the Antioch Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 224, Burnsville, MS 38833, Sanctuary Hospice House, Wheels of Northeast Mississippi, or Fifth Street Baptist Church. An online guestbook can be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
