Charles Whitaker

        Charles Breon Whitaker was born in Norfolk, Virginia on April 20,1955 to the late Ernest Whitaker Sr. and Hattie Brewer Iredell Whitaker. After the passing of his mother, he developed a special relationship with his stepmother Maggie Fly Whitaker. He was also preceded in death by his siblings. 

        Charles was raised in the Liberty Park area of Norfolk and attended Norfolk Public Schools. Charles joined the United States Army as a Switch Board Operator and was awarded a National Defense Service Medal and an Expert Badge during his tenure. After being honorably discharged from the military, he moved to Lynchburg, South Carolina with a military friend where he met and married his wife, Ruthie; three daughters were born to this union. After moving back to Virginia, he worked for the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for 18 years until he retired. He was also employed through Hertz Rental Cars, as well as Norfolk and Chesapeake Public Schools. When he was an active member of New Mt. Zion Church of God Holiness, he was a deacon, church janitor, van driver and president of the usher board.  After becoming an amputee in 2013, he continued to live and enjoy life to the fullest.  Charles was an avid sports fan and part of the Pittsburgh Steelers Football Nation as a die-hard fan. His family held a special place in his heart and there was nothing that he wouldn’t do for any of them. He provided for his family in his own unique way and spoiled his grandkids.

        His leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 45 years Ruthie Whitaker; daughters Tawala (Robert) Taylor, Demetre (Steven) Bazemore, and Cerice Whitaker; grandchildren Jadyn Bazemore, Aiden Bazemore, Jordin Taylor and Kennedy Taylor; mother-n-law Mae Roland of Lynchburg S.C.; sister-n-laws Gloria Brunson of Bishopville, S.C and Son Hui Whitaker of Virginia Beach, VA; brother-n-laws Elijah Anderson of Hampton, VA, Willie Brunson of Bishopville, S.C., Travis Roland of Clifton, N.J., Stacey Roland of Lynchburg S.C. and Robert (Madonna) Wyche of Greenville, S.C.; god-daughter Ashley McPherson of Tampa, FL; family friend Frances McPherson of Norfolk, VA; childhood friend Anthony Brown of Chesapeake, VA and a host of other relatives and friends.

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