Thomas "Tommy" Odell Whitaker

Whitaker Yadkinville-  Mr. Thomas “Tommy” Odell Whitaker, 74, of Center Road passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at Yadkin Nursing Center.  He was born January 15, 1943 in Surry County to the late Odell and Margaret Weatherman Whitaker.  Tommy was owner and operator of Tommy’s Used Cars for several years and worked with several dealers in the Southeast.  He loved to socialize with others, was an avid rook player, and enjoyed working in his garden of tomatoes and other vegetables.  He was a member of Yadkin Masonic Lodge # 162 A.F.&A.M., and was a member of Center United Methodist Church where he served the church as Head Usher for several years, director of the U.M.Y.F., and was the leader of the youth choral group called the “Sonlights”.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son, Thomas Brent Whitaker, and by his sister, Anne McCracken.  Surviving are his daughter, Renae (Vance) Hall, Yadkinville; grandchildren, Jessica Whitaker, Brody Whitaker; sister, Kathy Whitaker-Johnson of Winston-Salem; brother, Jim (Camey) Whitaker of Clemmons; a brother-in-law, Jerry McCracken; a niece, nephews, neighbors, and several close friends, including his special friend, Tom Armstrong.  The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Friday at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville.  A graveside service will be 11:00 AM Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Center United Methodist Church Memorial Cemetery by Rev. Clyde Penry.  The family would like to express their gratitude to the caregivers of Yadkin Nursing Center for all of their loving care given to Tommy.  Online condolences may be made to www.gentryfuneralservice.com.