Cary Whitaker

Published 12:01 am Sunday, April 14, 2013

Cary Whitaker

1934 – 2013

Cary Whitaker died peacefully at home on April 12, 2013, after a one and one-half year fight with cancer.

Born in Enfield, he was the son of Robert A. Whitaker and Myrtle Norton Whitaker. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, June Wahmann Whitaker; by his first daughter Dr. Elizabeth Grimes Whitaker and her husband David Mattox and their child Isabell Alexis “Bella” Mattox; by his second daughter, Dr. Julia Waldo Whitaker; by his son, Cary Wahmann Whitaker; by his brother, Robert Norton Whitaker; and by many loving relatives.

A man of sterling character, Cary Whitaker was known for devotion to his family, honor in business, and service to the community.

He became committed to Christianity in his adulthood. As a man of strong faith, he often served on the vestry of All Saints Episcopal Church, attended conventions of the diocese, sometimes taught adult Sunday school, and also served on the finance committee.

He graduated from Duke University in 1956 with an AB degree in accounting and soon became a Certified Public Accountant. He later completed UNC Law School in only two years, and passed the North Carolina Bar in 1963.

The next year he became a clerk at the N.C. Supreme Court, working with the late Justice R. Hunt Parker. He then became employed by Meadows and Batts Law Firm in Rocky Mount for four years. In 1968, he became associated with the firm of Allsbrook, Benton, Knott, Allsbrook, Cranford, Whitaker & White in Roanoke Rapids, for 16 years. Thereafter, he and Dwight Cranford formed their own law firm, later including Bill Dickens. Cary continued to practice independently in his office or at home until recently. His mind remained as bright as ever.

In his community, Cary Whitaker served as Chairman of the Halifax County Planning Board for 15 years. He served as attorney for the Roanoke Rapids School Board for 34 years. He also served on the Halifax Community College Board and the Union Mission Board. In addition, he enjoyed being a part of the Jaycees and the Kiwanis Club.
As a member of the N.C. State Bar Association, he was elected to the State Bar Council for nine years as representative of Judicial District 6A. Also he was chairman of the local committee to interview bar candidates.

Professionally, he was a member of Bar Associations for the county, state and nation; of the American Institute of CPAs; and of the N.C. Council of School Attorneys.

Personally, Cary Whitaker was loved and respected by many people. We who were close to him feel blessed that he was a part of our lives.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Thompson Child and Family Focus in Matthews, N.C., or to the Roanoke Rapids Union Mission.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 15, 2013, at All Saints Episcopal Church, Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Dr. Marjorie Holms officiating.

Wrenn Clarke & Hagan Cremation Service is taking care of arrangements where the family will receive friends today, April 14, 2013, from 4:30 until 6 pm.

Online condolences can be made to www.wrennclarkehagan.com.