Mr. Kenneth (Kenny) Morris Whitaker

MOUNT AIRY a€" Kenneth ("Kenny") Morris Whitaker peacefully passed away at home October 4, 2014, following a valiant struggle with prolonged health problems. Kenneth was born May 26, 1942, in Surry County and happily lived his whole life in the same community. His parents were Luther Woodrow Whitaker and Ida Mae Pratt Whitaker (both deceased). He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Annabelle Corder Whitaker; sons Tony (Sally) of Hillsborough and Scott (Emily-Sarah) of Oak Ridge, and daughter Tami (Jeff) Fishel of King. He was "Pa Kenny" to two sets of grandchildren: the grown ones: Hannah Whitaker, Jesse (Katie) Whitaker, and Adam Fishel followed by an unexpected later bunch: Daken, Seth, Gracie and great-grandson, Oliver. Kenny was preceded in death by daughter-in-law Brenda Whitaker. He had five siblings: brothers Harold (Brenda) Whitaker of Winston-Salem (both deceased) and Phillip (Bonnie) Whitaker of Danbury, and sisters Brenda (Frank {deceased}) Barnesa€ˆof Tobaccoville, Pattie Whitaker of King, and Joan (Gary) Atkins of Pilot Mountain. Kenneth was a graduate of Copeland High School, worked in the textile industry, and spent his life putting others before himself. He was a hard worker known for his service, humbleness, and devotion to God, family, church, and the Ruritans. Many knew him for the miniature tobacco crafts he loved to create and share. All are invited to honor Kenny at a celebration-of-life service at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 12, at Eldora Ruritan Building at 2078 Ararat Road, Ararat, NC. Memorials can be made for improvements to the Church of Corinth Cemetery (c/o Joyce Norman at 3433 Siloam Road, Ararat, NC 27007).