He was preceded in death by his mother Patricia Parish Whitaker and his sister Patricia Merritt Whitaker.
Tom was born in Forrest City, Arkansas on November 12, 1957. He grew up in Baltimore, Maryland but graduated from Pacific High in California. He fought fires and planted trees in Oregon. He had a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from The Florida State University and a Masters of Science in Organic Chemistry from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (“FAMU”). Tom was a Chemist and taught at FAMU and Tallahassee Community College. He loved music and played the piano, trombone, trumpet, and guitar. He had a passion for continuous learning and was a polyglot. He enjoyed debating, gardening, art, and natural endeavors.
Tom was survived by his father, daughters, Charas Chandu Bogart (Jason) and Champa Sundari Whitaker Burns (Dave) of Tallahassee, Florida, and 6 grandchildren Goldberry Moonglow Burns, Orion Morpheus Burns, Charles Thomas “Tommy” Bogart, Mei-hua Whitaker Wu, Cherish Chandu Bogart, and King Jason Bogart of Tallahassee, Florida. He is additionally survived by a host of cousins and other family members who will miss him dearly.
Tom, and his father, will be laid to rest at Advent Episcopal Church’s memory garden with his mother and sister. Close friends and family are invited to Committal Services on February 3, 2024, at 1pm with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Whitaker residence.
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