Harry Benoris Whitaker

Harry Benoris Whitaker, age 100, passed away on September 11, 2026. Born on July 22, 1926, in Bristol, Virginia, he was the son of the late Harry T. and Orville Anna Whitaker. He later moved to ORLANDO in the early 1950’s from Kingsport, Tennessee and from Orlando to Eustis, FL. A proud U.S. Navy Veteran, Harry served during World War II in the Pacific Aleutian Islands aboard the destroyer USS John Hood Ominato Naval Base, Honshu, aiding in the allied occupation of northern Japan. He answered the call of duty with steadfast devotion and quiet strength.

In civilian life, he owned and operated a masonry company, building with the same steady care and reliability that marked the way he lived and worked. He donated his time and talent to building several Christian churches throughout the Orlando area. Harry was a member of Lake Eustis Christian Church in Eustis, where his faith and commitment to community remained an important part of his life. Harry is survived by his son, Gregg (Erin) Whitaker of Eustis, FL; his daughter, Jamye C. Parlapiano of Eustis, FL; his sisters, Doris Wayne Lilly of Maitland, FL, and Ann Hudnall of Leesburg, FL; three grandchildren, Joe Whitaker, Andrew Whitaker (Amy), and Justin Conner(Olivia); and five great-grandchildren, Aurora Whitaker, Ada Whitaker, Lincoln Conner, Noah Conner, and Claire Moulton. A Memorial Service will be held at First Baptist Church of Umatilla, 550 Hatfield Dr, Umatilla, FL 32784, on September 17, 2026, at 5:00 pm. Flowers are accepted, or donations may be made to Cornerstone Hospice (https://cornerstonehospice.org/).