Thomas J. "T.J." Whitaker age 90, passed away January 24, 2019. T.J. was a resident of Simpsonville, S.C., a native of Knoxville. He retired from Benco Plastics, an army veterans having served in the Korean War and a member of the Beaver Ridge Masonic Lodge # 366. He loved to sing gospel music. Preceded in death by parents, Harley and Lillie Whitaker; brothers, James Alvin and Dennis Whitaker; sisters, Mary Catherine Grigsby and Doris Williams. Survived by loving wife of 65 years, Jean Hill Whitaker; son, Thomas Blake Whitaker and wife, Lindsey Whitaker; granddaughters, Grace and Hope Whitaker; grandson, Austin Russell; sisters, Imogene Stambaugh and Brenda Whitaker Johnson; several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends 5-7 pm Monday at Weaver's Chapel with the service to follow at 7 pm. Family and friends will meet at 10:15 am Tuesday at Weaver's to proceed to Edgewood Cemetery for an 11 am interment. Condolences are welcome at weaverfuneralservices.com.