Robert "Blake" Whisenant

Robert “Blake” Whisenant Sr., 88, passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2018, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Blake was born on December 17, 1929 and was a lifelong resident of Manatee County. He spent his childhood and adult life in Palmetto, Ellenton and lastly, his farm in Parrish. Blake married Virginia Cox in 1953 in the First Baptist Church of Palmetto. They raised a family of five children, three sons and two daughters. Blake was a devoted husband to Virginia until her death in January of 2014, visiting her each and every day during her long illness. He will be remembered by his children as a loving father, full of humor and stories, an avid fisherman and consummate prankster, with an unfailing enthusiasm for his work and many projects. Blake and Virginia together attended Palm View First Baptist Church for well over fifty years, with Blake serving many of those years as deacon. They were instrumental in the founding of the church and found comfort and strength from the congregation. Blake was a highly respected member of the community. He was honored as a Manatee County Distinguished Citizen, was inducted into the Manatee County Agriculture Hall of Fame along with his father, inducted into the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame, and acknowledged as a fine farmer and conservationist. He was a graduate of the University of Florida and is widely known as the inventor of the Earthbox. Blake is predeceased by his Father and Mother, Bob and Emma Whisenant. His surviving siblings are Joyce McCook, Kay Henson, Phyllis White and Sally Bustle. Blake is survived by his children and their spouses, Bob Whisenant(Lucila), Mary de Greef(Jaap), Priscilla Trace(Craig), Peter Whisenant and Daniel Whisenant(Candi). Also survived by his Grandchildren, Blake Trace(Amanda), Willem de Greef(Crystal), Nelie Boehle(Chris), Kristina Darville(Clyde), Emily Whisenant and Chase Turner(Shea). Surviving Great-Grandchildren are Rowan de Greef, Juniper de Greef, Torreya de Greef , Kennedy Darville, Scarlett Turner and Nolan Turner. Visitation will be held at Palm View First Baptist Church, 415 49th Street E., Palmetto, FL from 4:00-6:00pm, Sunday, February 18th. The funeral service will be held 10:00 am, Monday, February 19th at Palm View Baptist. The burial will follow the service at Mansion Memorial Park in Ellenton. Donations in Blake’s memory to Palm View Baptist or Hospice in lieu of Flowers would be welcome.