Joseph "Rusty" Russell Whitaker Jr.

Rusty was born on December 27, 1947, in Richmond, Virginia. He spent the majority of his childhood in Mechanicsville, Virginia, where his competitive spirit and athletic talent quickly became evident. He attended Lee Davis High School, where he was a star athlete and earned numerous accolades, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of sports and competition.

Following high school, Rusty proudly joined the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany, where he played on the Army basketball team, before being deployed to Vietnam, where he received a Bronze Star for his service and bravery. After returning home in 1970, he began a long and dedicated career with C&P Telephone Company, now known as Verizon, where he worked for more than 30 years before retiring.

Rusty was fiercely protective of his family and close friends. He was the ultimate competitor—always striving to be his best and pushing others to be their best as well, often “joking” that second place was really just “first loser.” Sports were a central part of his life, especially tennis and basketball.

He played a significant and lasting role in the Richmond tennis community, particularly with junior players. Throughout his life, Rusty coached and mentored countless young athletes, impacting them both on and off the court. His influence extended far beyond wins and losses, shaping confidence, discipline, and character in generations of players.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Janice Giddings Whitaker; his daughters, Dondi Madison (Jim) and Kristi Wilson (Joe); his four grandchildren, Brandon Wyatt, Bradley Wyatt, Taylor Wilson, and Zack Wilson; his brother, David Robertson (Teri); and numerous other family members who loved him dearly.

A service to celebrate Rusty’s life will be held on Saturday, March 14, at 2:00 p.m., at River Road Church, Baptist at 8000 River Road, Richmond, VA 23229, with a reception to follow.

Rusty will be remembered for his fierce loyalty, competitive fire, and unwavering devotion to his family and country. His legacy lives on through the athletes he coached, the family he protected, and the many lives he touched. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rusty’s honor to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.