Mr. Robert Louis Whittaker, Sr. was born on January 21, 1920 in Montgomery, AL to the late Willie Ann Lowe and Phillip Whittaker. When he was a small child, his family relocated to Birmingham, and his mother joined the Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church. Young Robert attended Birmingham City Schools, and graduated from Industrial High School (now A.H. Parker High School).
He made the decision at a young age to enlist in the United States Army, where he went on to serve in World War II and the Korean War. By the time he retired from the Army, he had excelled to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CW3).
He then returned to Birmingham and continued to work, this time to educate young people. Teaching ROTC at Jackson-Olin High School, he reached so many in the city that he loved.
Mr. Whittaker served the church as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for over 20 years. He served with love, passion, and dedication that is still evident today.
Robert L. Whittaker, Sr. was preceded in death by his mother and father, and his son, Michael L. Whittaker. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Angenette E. Whittaker, a brother, Charles Whittaker of San Antonio, TX, sisters Bessie Moseley-Harris of Birmingham, AL and Phyllois Washington of Avon, OH, and children - Robert L. Whittaker, Jr. (Barbara), of San Francisco, CA, Stefanie McCray (Cecil), of Harrisburg, PA, Tonia Blanks (James), Tamara Smith (Kelvin), and Robert E. Whittaker (Ciara), all of Birmingham, AL, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
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