Thomas Lawler Whitaker, Sr.

He was preceded in death by his parents Van Edward Whitaker and Helen Patton Whitaker; and his brothers Van Edward Whitaker, Jr. and James Patton Whitaker; and his wife Patricia Parish Whitaker and his children, Patricia Merritt Whitaker and Thomas Lawler Whitaker, Jr.

Tommy was born in Memphis, Tennessee on January 23, 1932. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Masters of Arts in Music. Tommy was a Music Teacher with the Baltimore County Public School System and attended Johns Hopkins University writing seminars. He also played saxophone in a band. After retiring from teaching, Tommy moved to Tallahassee and attended the Florida State University College of Business. Then he started his own tax accounting business which he operated until 2021. Tommy enjoyed music, reading history, philosophy, physics, and mathematics, solving cross word puzzles, gardening, playing tennis, canoeing, swimming, fishing, camping and watching Razorback football. Woo Pig Sooie!

Tommy is survived by 2 grandchildren, Charas Bogart and Champa Burns of Tallahassee, Florida, 6 great grandchildren of Tallahassee, Florida, and sister-in-law, Peggy Coggins Whitaker of Memphis, Tennessee. He is additionally survived by a host of cousins, nieces and nephews and other family members who will miss him dearly. Big Bend Hospice helped comfort and care for Tommy during the transition.

Tommy, and his son, will be laid to rest at Advent Episcopal Church’s memory garden with his wife and daughter. Close friends and family are invited to Committal Services on February 3, 2024, at 1pm with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Whitaker residence.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice at Big Bend Hospice Foundation, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308 or online at https://bigbendhospice.charityproud.org/Donate.