Family Log-In

Click Here

Gary Lee Whitaker, 67, of Battle Creek, passed away Friday, December 7, 2018 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit surrounded by his family. He was born November 10, 1951 in Muncie, IN the son of William and Rema (Smelser) Whitaker. Gary attended Muncie Central High School and played on their basketball team, but graduated from Lakeview High School class of 1969 after he moved to Battle Creek in 1967. Gary and his father, William, opened up Sir Pizza on 20th and Territorial in 1973 to current. He loved music, playing the guitar, and had played in numerous bands over the years. Gary enjoyed playing pool, flying his drone, and working in his wood shop building toys for the kids. He loved spending time with his family and taking his children on vacation in their younger years.
He is survived by his mother, Rema; children, John Paul (Tera) Whitaker and Danielle Whitaker; grandchildren, Christopher and Sydnie Vega; brother, Danny (Deborah) Whitaker; nieces and nephews; fiancée, Carie; Carie's children, Courtnie Holmes and her 4 children, Nathaniel (Cecelia) Holmes and their 2 children, and Lindsay (Nolan) Guardado.
He was preceded in death by his father, William.
A celebration of life service will be held December 15th at 1:00 PM at the Portage Schoolcraft Eagles (11611 Shaver Rd, Schoolcraft, MI 49087).
A memorial service also celebrating Gary’s life will be held at Maple United Methodist Church in Battle Creek on December 28th at 1:00 PM with Rev. Linda Stoddard officiating. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Maple United Methodist Church.