"Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Samuel Leroy Whitaker, the son of the late Henry Whitaker and Clara Bristol, was born May 16, 1941, in Washington, D.C. He transitioned this life to external life with God and the heavenly angels on October 27, 2024.

His service to God extended over many years and ended with membership at Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church. Samuel was affectionally known as "Sam", taught Sunday School, assisted with cooking and serving at the Annual Church Picnic. He continued using his singing voice, as a member of The Chaps singing group in D.C., in the PUMB Church choir and male chorus.

After graduating from Dunbar High School, Sam entered the United States Army where he served over twenty (20) years. His services included tours in Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, six (6) Good Conduct Medals, Korean Service Medal, German Army Marksman Badge and Meritorious Service Medal. He was a proud veteran.

After retiring from the military at Redstone Arsenal, Sam received his Bachelor of Science degree from Athens State and continued further studies at Alabama A & M University. He worked several years at the U. S. Army Missile Command as an Education Specialist teaching other soldiers, retiring in 2005.

In 1992, another milestone was the marriage of Sam and Eleanor Anne James. Together they had a blended family of eight children. Two sons, Warren Christopher Whitaker and Timothy Doran James preceded him in death.

Sam was destined to be great because he was inclined to serve humanity. This is reflected through service to these and other organizations: Life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Von Braun Lions Club (District Governor), Board of Directors at Athens State College, Tennessee Valley Consistory #160 and H.P Masonic Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars, NAACP, 33 Degree Shriner, and ALAZHAE Temple 195.

Samuel leaves his legacy of committed service to God and the community and his memories to a devoted wife, Eleanor Anne Whitaker, children: Ricardo (Glynis) of Maryland, Timothy (Tamila) Whitaker, and Aaron (Terri) Whitaker of Atlanta, Georgia, LeBron Victor (Vera) James of Dallas, Texas, Azeal Randall of Maryland, and Clara Whitaker of Panama; sister: Algretta (Freddie) Howze of Maryland; brother: Larry (Sandra) Butler of Maryland; sister-in-law: Alice Sams and Ruby (James) Blackburn of Huntsville, Alabama; sixteen (16) grandchildren, and a host of other loved ones and friends.

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Funeral service for Mr. Samuel L. Whitaker will be Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Nelms Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Joe Stephenson officiating and Reverend Vera Bell eulogist.  Entombment will follow in Valhalla Memory Gardens. Mr. Whitaker will lie in repose in the Nelms Memorial Funeral Home Chapel one hour prior to funeral service.

Public viewing: Friday, November 1, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Nelms Memorial Funeral Home.

To view the funeral service via live stream, use this link: https://boxcast.tv/channel/dkjfujhlbrbdl3mq6cj7