William McKenzie Whittaker Jr.

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) William McKenzie Whittaker, Jr. of the Florida Air National Guard, 125th Fighter Wing passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at the age of 67, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Whittaker was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on August 8, 1947; his family moved to Jacksonville in 1949. Mr. Whittaker was predeceased by his father, Brigadier General, (Ret.) William McKenzie Whittaker. He is survived by his wife of over 45 years, Susan Entwistle Whittaker.

Lieutenant Colonel Whittaker had a distinguished career at the Florida Air National Guard, 125th Fighter Wing, serving for over thirty years. He was a member of San Jose Episcopal Church and was graduated from Florida Junior College. Mr. Whittaker was a 32nd Degree Mason, Barnett Lodge and a Morocco Temple Shriner. He volunteered in numerous charitable organizations including the Greater Jacksonville Open and the Tournament Players Championship. He served as Chairman of the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament in 2000 and was an emeritus member of the Board of Directors

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his mother, Evelyn Morgan Whittaker; son, Michael (Jessica); daughter, Ashley (Andrew Jones); and granddaughter, Olivia Grace Swim. He is also survived by his sister, Peggy Sain (Roger); and brother, Steven (Janet); as well as brothers-in-law Gary Entwistle, Sr. and Richard Entwistle and several nieces and nephews, MacKenzie Melvin, Tracey Whittaker and Brian Whittaker (Brooks), Gary Entwistle, Jr. and Lyzette (Alex) Patnaude.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 23rd at the Hardage-Giddens, Hendricks Chapel, 4115 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 24th at San Jose Episcopal Church, 7423 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonvile, with internment immediately following in Oaklawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to San Jose Episcopal Church or Multiple Myeloma-American Cancer Society.

HARDAGE-GIDDENS, HENDRICKS CHAPEL, 4115 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, is serving the family.