WHITELAND
Ray S. Whitaker, longtime resident of Whiteland, passed away peacefully at his home on December 14, 2023. He was 91 and a half years old. Ray was born the fifth of seven children, in the rural area close to Sanford, North Carolina, on May 11, 1932. His parents were Elmer Floyd Whitaker and Katie Yow Whitaker. In 1950, Ray migrated, along with his brothers to Indianapolis, Indiana. He was first employed at the J. I. Holcomb Manufacturing Company. Ray also worked at International Harvester and Ford. He opened Whitaker’s Pool Room in 1958. Until it closed in 1998, it was THE hangout for generations of Whiteland’s youth. Ray’s amazing pool skills became the stuff of local legend.
In 1966, Ray started Ray S. Whitaker Trucking. He ran his trucking company until his retirement in 2006, at age 74. Ray also built and owned Whitaker Apartments, located in Whiteland.
Ray met the love of his life, Patty Jo Stout, at the Southern Circle Drive-In, in March of 1953. She was a car hop at the restaurant on the old South Side of Indianapolis. They were married on September 19th of the same year. Their marriage lasted 67 years, until Patty’s death in 2021.
Their union produced two children: Alex Ray (Robin) and Alan Ray (Donna). They both survive. Ray is also survived by a granddaughter, Jessica Lynn Whitaker, a step granddaughter, Claire Reed (Khyle), an adopted granddaughter, Alayna Patrick, as well as a step great-granddaughter, Corinna Reed. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as their three generations of children.
He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his siblings and their spouses: Gilbert (Maxine), Geneva Carter (Charlie), Clenton B. (Margaret), Elmer Floyd “Junior” (Jane), Peggy J. Cole (General Foister), and an infant sister, Elizabeth. A grandson, Jacob A. Whitaker, also preceded him in death.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2023 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at Jessen Funeral Home & Simple Cremation ~ Whiteland Chapel. A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 18th at 4:00pm at the funeral home with visitation from 3:00pm until the funeral hour. Reverend Arthur Ray Cole, Mr. Whitaker’s nephew, will preside. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin, Indiana.
Arrangements entrusted to Jessen Funeral Home & Simple Cremation ~ Whiteland Chapel. 729 N. US Highway 31, Whiteland, IN 46184. (317) 535-6880. www.jessenfuneralhome.com.
