Ken Whitaker

BECKER – Willie Kenneth “ Ken” Whitaker, 77, died on Friday, July 23, 2010, at his home. A native of Becker, he was a son of Willie Kirby and Gracie B. Fowlkes Whitaker. He was a graduate of Becker Schools and attended Wood Junior College before joining the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable service, he worked for Hayes Aircraft in Birmingham and retired after 31 years from United Airlines as a customer service agent in Huntsville. An active member of Greenbrier United Methodist Church, he was a Lay leader and served on the Board of Laity, Tupelo District. He was President of Greenbrier Cemetery Board, a member of Monroe County Forestry and a member of Becker-Wren Men’s Club. A caring and wonderful husband and father, he was a hard worker and would do anything to help others. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, gardening and fixing things around the house. A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Pickle Funeral Home with the Rev. Tom Sheffield and the Rev. Tim Sisk officiating. Burial will follow in Greenbrier Cemetery. E.E. Pickle Funeral Home of Amory is in charge of arrangements.He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mary Zelda Whitaker of Becker; sons, Keith Edward (Heather) Whitaker of Becker and Theodore Kenneth Whitaker of Virginia; daughter, Pamela Dianne (Tom) Fitzsimons of Spring Hill, Ala.; and six grandchildren, Justin Edward Whitaker, Hannah McKenzie Whitaker, Samuel Jacob Whitaker, Hope Elaine Kennedy, Tara Brooke Hernandez and Amanda Jean O’Neil. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ann Elizabeth Goodwin; and a niece, Lisa Rawdon.Pallbearers will be Whitt Schwalenberg, Stephan Deloney, Jim Mitchell, George Hughes, Daniel Howell and Bobby Hudson. Honorary pallbearers will be members of Greenbrier United Methodist Church and Becker-Wren Men’s Club.Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Greenbrier United Methodist Church, Amory, MS 38821-0128 and Greenbrier Cemetery, Glo Herring, 505 7th St. S., Amory, MS 38821. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at picklefh@att.net .