Dr. William “Bill” Henry Whitaker Jr.

Dr. William “Bill” Henry Whitaker, Jr.

February 20, 1967- June 3, 2026

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

Dr. William “Bill” H. Whitaker, Jr. was born on February 20, 1967, in Clinton, North Carolina, Sampson County. He departed this earthly world to be with the Heavenly Father on June 3, 2026.

Dr. Whitaker was a distinguished higher education administrator, academic leader, and advocate for student success whose career spanned decades of service in colleges and universities throughout the United States and abroad to include, but not be limited to: South Carolina State University, Voorhees University, Benedict College, Livingstone College, and Kentucky State University.

Dr. Whitaker’s educational foundation began as a proud graduate of Clinton High School, Clinton, North Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Clothing, Textiles, Fashion and Interior Merchandising from the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina; a Master of Science degree in Merchandising Management from the College of Human Ecology at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; and the Doctor of Education degree with a concentration in Higher Education Administration from the College of Education in Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. Dr. Whitaker’s research, service, and impact expand beyond the United States to include, but not limited to: Bahamas, Melbourne, Australia, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Northern Coast of South America, and Ghana, West Africa.

A respected educator and visionary administrator, Dr. Whitaker was known for his commitment to academic excellence, institutional development, and the advancement of opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. Throughout his career, he provided leadership in honors education, academic affairs, strategic planning, program development, and international partnerships, earning the admiration of colleagues, students, and community leaders alike.

In October 2023, Dr. Whitaker was appointed Dean of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. In this role, he was charged with advancing the university's honors education mission and cultivating enriching academic, leadership, and research opportunities for high-achieving students. Prior to his appointment as dean, he served as Acting Dean of the College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences, where he played a key role in developing new academic programs and establishing partnerships with institutions in Guyana and other international collaborators. He also served as Acting Associate Provost and Chairperson and Professor for the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. Collectively, Dr. Whitaker has more than 30 years of professional experience in higher education, including serving as Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, Assistant Dean for Education and Special Assistant to the President at Livingstone College and Benedict College, respectively.

Throughout his professional life, Dr. Whitaker was recognized for his ability to build innovative academic programs, foster collaborative relationships, and mentor future generations of scholars and leaders. His leadership reflected a deep belief in the transformative power of education and the responsibility of institutions to prepare students for lives of service, achievement, and impact.

A resident of Columbia, South Carolina, Dr. Whitaker was the son of educators, the late William H. Whitaker Sr., principal and the late Elmer Gray Faison Whitaker, teacher and was deeply devoted to his family, friends, colleagues, and students. His life was characterized by integrity, wisdom, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge.

Dr. Whitaker's legacy lives on through the countless lives he influenced, the institutions he strengthened, and the students whose futures were enriched by his leadership and guidance. In recognition of his entrepreneurial success and commitment to excellence, Dr. Whitaker received Carolina Panorama's prestigious Legacy of Black Business Award for his work as founder and principal designer of Whitaker Interiors LLC. He was also recognized by Michigan State University as an Outstanding Black Alumni, a distinction honoring graduates whose achievements have made significant contributions to their professions and communities.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, those who knew Dr. Whitaker best appreciated not only his intellect and professional accomplishments, but also his keen eye for design, love of beauty and culture, infectious sense of humor, and unwavering loyalty to family and friends. Whether mentoring a student, decorating a space, or sharing wisdom over conversation, he brought excellence, warmth, and authenticity to every endeavor. Dr. Whitaker was a devoted family man and faithful friend. He cherished time with loved ones and was known for his warm spirit, generous heart, and ability to encourage and uplift those around him. His life was a testament to the values of service, excellence, faith, and perseverance. He was a long-standing member of First Baptist Church, Clinton, North Carolina and regularly attended Ladson Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Whitaker was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

Dr. Whitaker's legacy will live on through the many students he mentored, the colleagues he inspired, the institutions he strengthened, and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.

He is preceded in death by his loving immediate family members: mother, the late Elmer Gray Faison Whitaker, April 3, 2008, father, the late William H. Whitaker, Sr., February 3, 2017, and only sibling, the late Melody Gray Whitaker Hall (Howard), April 13, 2017.

Dr. Whitaker is survived by a niece, Lauren Gray Hall, Gastonia, NC; two aunts, Mattie G. Moseley, Jacksonville, NC and Mable C. Faison, Clinton, NC; cousin, Monty Faison (Leslie), Knightdale, NC; cousin, Equong Faison Jones (James), Philadelphia, PA; great cousins, Montoria Faison and Lexton Faison, Knightdale, NC; Alisha Burke (Tony) and Karl Lewis, Philadelphia, PA, a host of other relatives; and best friend of 37 years, Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, Columbia, SC and members of the Hopkins’ family.

He has tremendously impacted his beloved family, friends, colleagues, former students, fraternity brothers, and all who were blessed to know him. Though his earthly journey has ended, his influence and example will continue to guide and inspire future generations.

A scholar, mentor, leader, entrepreneur, and faithful friend, Dr. William 'Bill' H. Whitaker, Jr. leaves a legacy of excellence, service, and transformational leadership. His influence will continue to be felt through the institutions he strengthened, the students he inspired, and the countless lives he touched. We thank God for the gift of his life and celebrate a legacy that will endure for generations to come. To God be the Glory.

~ Expressions of Gratitude ~

The family of Dr. William H. Whitaker, Jr. extends its sincere appreciation for the many expressions of love, prayers, concern, and support received during the illness and subsequent transition of our loved one. You have been a great source of strength and comfort during our time of bereavement. May God continue to richly bless each of you.

~ Special Acknowledgements ~

✤ MUSC Columbia Trauma Unit

✤ MUSC Charleston Trauma Unit

✤ MUSC Charleston MICU

✤ South Carolina State University

- Dr. Alexander Conyers, President

- Dr. Fred Evans, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

- Dr. Evelyn Fields, Dean of the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences

- Dr. Janice Owens, Graduate Professor and Director of Clinical Experiences

✤ Dr. Windy Stephenson, Assistant Dean, Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College

✤ Voorhees University

- Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, President

✤ Voorhees University Charter Institute of Learning

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His life was a blessing,

His memory a treasure,

He is loved beyond words

And missed beyond measure. (Anonymous)

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O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of your servant, Billy and grant him an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lovingly, The Family of Dr. William “Bill” H. Whitaker, Jr.

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Committal Services

Grandview Memorial Park

Mausoleum Crypt #103

2809 N US 421 HWY

Clinton, North Carolina 28328

910.592.6675

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Professional Services Entrusted To:

Dunbar Funeral Home

3926 Devine Street, Columbia, South Carolina

www.DunbarFunerals.com

803.771.7990

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To God be the Glory for the life and times of Dr. William “Bill” H. Whitaker, Jr. -- A Life Well Lived!