Joseph Hawley Whitacre

83, went home to be with his lord on February 12, 2021. He was at home and passed away peacefully with the love of his life Mary, and his faithful dog, Mimi.

Joe was born on September 1, 1937 in Omaha, NE and was adopted at 9 months old by Hawley Joseph and Blanche Ethel Whitacre. He has one sister, Bonnie Whitacre Collart.

Joe attended High School in Burbank, CA where he played the drums in the marching band. He also participated in the 1952 Rose Bowl Parade. After graduation he studied at Glendale Art School. He later joined the United States Air Force where he served from 1957 to 1979. He was married on December 18, 1964, to Mary Lou Williams, in Reno, Nevada. After his service, he attended Minot State University where he got his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration as well as a Minor in Journalism. He managed the Parker Hotel and then later the Ramada Inn. In 1990, he and his family relocated to Tampa, FL.

Joe loved to bowl, fish, and play cards. He enjoyed his daily judge shows as well as Jeopardy. His love for music was displayed in the many instruments he played, including the harmonica and the accordion. He sang in the choir at Tims Memorial Presbyterian Church, where he also served as a deacon.

He will fondly be remembered for his story telling and his never-ending amount of jokes. Some may refer to him as the godfather of the dad joke. His favorite jokes included the three-legged pig and the jackrabbit in Arizona.

He is survived by his adoring wife of 56 years Mary Lou Whitacre; their three children, Brian (Dawn), Jennifer (Brian), and Amanda; his eight grandchildren, Devin (Kelsey), Jonah, Sam, Charlie, Max, Mary, Grant and, Jason; one great grandchild Robert Joseph; his sister, Bonnie Collart; two nieces, Carol, Robin; and nephew, Bartley. He also had several great nieces and nephews.

His infant son, Joseph Terrell; his father, Hawley Joseph and his mother, Blanche Ethel, preceded him in death.

Services will be Saturday, February 20, 2021, 4pm at Blount and Curry Funeral home located at 3207 West Bearss Ave Tampa, FL 33618.

Joe will receive military honors from the United States Air Force. Pastor Jody McKewen will lead the Funeral service.

Honorary Pallbearers: Devin, Jonah, Samuel, Maxwell, Charles, Mary, Grant and Jason.

There will be a viewing one hour prior to the service on February 20,2021.

He will be interned at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL at a later date.

His family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to one of the following: The Special Olympics, Autism Speaks or The Wounded Warrior Foundation.

If there were three words to describe Joe, they would be

Faithful, Intentional and Joyful

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”, Philippians 4:15.