RICKEY WHITAKER, SR. was born to Ms. Coreen Gardner and the late Miles Richardson on July 31, 1954 in Halifax County NC. It was on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 that our Heavenly Father called him home to rest.

He attended Halifax County Schools and worked many years as a Security Guard at Allied Bendix, and a welder at Fontaine Fifth Wheel both in Rocky Mount, NC. He was not only a member of the Pilgrim Masonic Lodge # 36 A.F.AA.M. of Enfield, but he was also an active and faithful member of St. Paul Baptist Church. There he participated and enjoyed singing in the male chorus. In October 1981, Rickey married Antoinette Arrington of Enfield. Through the years, they developed a close-knit family.

He was affectionately known as "Big Rick" to family and friends and could often be found in the center of

family gathering, spending time with his grandkids and friends, or riding the streets of Enfield. His laughter was contagious and his jokes were truly memorable. "Big Rick" touched the lives of many and will be forever remembered as an encouraging man, and one who found the pleasure in helping others. His favorite quote was "I'm going to tell you what God loves and that's the TRUTH" - and that he did.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother and grandfather Lossie & Bertha Whitaker, two aunts: Madeline Whitaker and Margie Joyner, and a very special cousin Jimmy Joyner.

He leaves to cherish his memories a loving and devoted wife Antoinette Whitaker, two daughters Tonya Williams of Rocky Mount, NC, and Charis Saunders (Terrance) of
Enfield, NC, two sons Karva Whitaker of Nashville NC, and Rickey Whitaker Jr. of the home, eight grandchildren Ja'brel Williams of Charlotte NC, Asia Brown of Rocky Mount NC, Takira Whitaker of the home, Dajah Warrior of Atlanta Ga, Ricaveon Whitaker, Chaterria Saunders, Tyrick Lynch, and Terrance Saunders Jr. all of Enfield. One special sister whom he loved and care about dearly, Traceyjoyner (Albert) he always called her "BaBa". Five Brothers, Alvin Gardner (Jennifer) of Tarboro, NC, Wayne Gardner of Pittsboro, PA, Michael Whitaker (Julia), Daryel Gardner, and Frankie Gardner all of Enfield NC, one special cousin whom was just like a brother Jethro Boyd (Teresa) of Enfield, NC. Three aunts, Mary B. Boone of Enfield NC, Karen

Wilson of Washington DC, and Wilma
Williams (Luther) of Nashville NC, one
special uncle who was like a father to him
Ezell Whitaker (Michelle) of Washington
DC. He had five sisters-in-law: Jeannette
Mayo, Waldorf, MD; Delores Arrington,
Weldon, NC; Marjorie Arrington, Upper
Marlboro, MD; Lois Arrington, Mt. Rainer,
MD; and Lola Arrington, Washington, DC
and five brothers-in-law: Thurman
Arrington, New Carrollton, MD; Jerry Arrington and Stewart Arrington both of Enfield, NC; Leon Arrington, Baltimore, MD; and Chuck Arrington, Hyattsville, MD, a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Five special friends, Mickey Robinson, Pete Mosley, Linwood Bunn, Herman Bethea, and, Minister Bud A. Whitaker and many, many, many other friends.




Condolences are welcomed!