Eddie was born in Wichita Falls, TX on October 13, 1937 to father Jewel Andrew Whitaker and mother Willie Onieta Norsworthy Whitaker. The oldest of 1 sister Janice Perkins, and 3 brothers Ronnie, Jerry, and Jerald “Bruce” Whitaker along with foster siblings Billy and Judy Harden and Mike and Donna Easterwood. He grew up in a time when families moved around often, following the work. Eddie was responsible for helping his mom take care of his siblings while his dad supported the family
The Whitaker Clan loved music and would pick up an instrument and sing whenever they got together. Eddie played lead guitar and bass with various musicians in local country nightclubs as well as with some nationally acclaimed recording musicians. He reminiscence often about his times on the road with Charlie Daniels and his band.
In addition to his life of music, Eddie worked for 17 years with and retired from Bell Helicopter. He also owned a video store in Saginaw and one in Decatur providing jobs for high school kids.
Eddie had been married 3 different times and loved each wife deeply. He married Sallie Jo Smith August 27, 1955, they had 4 children together. He married Cindy Jo Samuelson April 29, 1974, they had 1 son. His 3rd wife was Lauranne Dewey married Feb 10, 1990.
Eddie loved life! He raised horses, formed a riding club, performed in play day events, as well as trying his hand at racing one of his horses. He enjoyed spontaneous road trips with no direction in mind nor reservations. Vacations were spent camping, fishing, along with the notorious road trips.
Eddie’s remembrance of life will be held 2:00 pm on July 30, 2021 at Shannon Rufe Snow Funeral Home, 6001 Rufe Snow Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76148.
Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, wives Sallie and Cindy, and Brandon (son by wife Cindy).
Those left to cherish his memory are sister Jan Perkins; daughter Pamela Whitaker-Knight (husband J. Clifton); sons Randy Whitaker (wife Belinda), Richard Whitaker (wife Virginia), Charles Whitaker (wife Margaret); grandchildren Stephanie Knight, Jamey Whitaker-Guggisberg, Ryan Whitaker (wife Amanda), Lenee Whitaker-Pacheco (husband Fredy), Tristyn Whitaker, Zane Ellis, Dustin Ellis, Savanah Whitehead, William Ty Whitaker (wife Brennah), Samantha Wilson (husband Chase), Antonio Flaquer, Andrew Carodine (wife Kellyn), and Victoria Carodine; great-grandchildren Rebecca Whitaker, Angeline Whitaker, Olivia Pacheco, Aubriella Pacheco, Lindsay Gingrich, Elena Flaquer; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him and will miss him dearly.
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