Curtis Lee Whitaker

Curtis Lee Whitaker, 79, of Mount Dora, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on August 16, 2024.

Raised in Wynne, Arkansas by the late Raymond and Frances Lee (Bolton) Whitaker, Curtis made his home in Mount Dora, Florida in 2014 after relocating from his lakeside home in Eatonton, Georgia. Prior to that he lived in Sharpsburg/Peachtree City, Georgia. 

He proudly served as an active member in the United States Air Force and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He has reunited with members of his unit annually to this day. His honorable loyalty and devotion to his family, friends, and country was remarkable and served as a testament to others. 

Curtis had a distinguished career at Delta Airlines for over 30 years, working his way up the corporate ladder through hard work and dedication. He excelled at anything he attempted to do. From his occupation to hobbies such as skiing, hunting, fishing, boating, and riding bikes; he conquered it all. Curtis even made retirement look busy because sitting idle was about the only thing he did not do well. 

Curtis was an avid hunter, conservationist and outdoorsman. He had a love for trees, particularly hardwood trees, and for the general outdoors. Having been reared on a farm in Wynne, Arkansas, he ultimately returned to farm life (after several attempts at retirement) to happily settle down on the family farm in Meriwether County, Georgia. No longer attempting to yield crops for profit, Curtis’ time on the farm was focused on enhancing wildlife and building family memories. The family farm brought Curtis great peace and pride. He derived insurmountable joy from time spent watching his five grandchildren riding four wheelers, fishing, and being together on the farm. 

If he was not on the farm, you would find him tinkering in his shop at his Florida home, traveling, driving his convertible, or cruising around on his Harley Davidson with friends. He was a valued member of the Lake County Chapter of Harley Owners Group. He had a zest for life that was unmatched, a dedication to friends and family that was unwavering, and a love for his fiancée Debra Lee Chater that was beautiful. To know him was to love him. His affection for his children and grandchildren, commitment to longtime friends and neighbors, adoration for his dogs, and contagious sense of humor are only a few things that made Curtis one of a kind. 

Curtis is survived by his beloved fiancée, Debra Lee Chater of Mount Dora; his son, Curtis L. Whitaker II and wife Harvin Whitaker of Atlanta, Georgia; his daughter, Ashley McConnell of Perry, Georgia; his sister, Belinda Carpenter of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; his niece Tiffany Mitchell and nephew Copeland Saunders II; and his five cherished grandchildren, Slade, Grey, Elizabeth Ann, Crue and Colton. He also leaves two Goddaughters, Hailey and Heather Putnam. 

Curtis’ joyful and charming spirit, love for an active lifestyle, social enthusiasm, and overall charisma were nothing short of mesmerizing for all who had the privilege of knowing him. His strength of character continues to shed light on those who knew him. 

In honor of Curtis' memory, the family requests that you consider planting a Memorial Tree in his honor at home or in our National Forest. By planting a tree, you not only honor the life and legacy of our loved one, but also help preserve our beautiful national forests for generations -Plant a Tree for Someone in Georgia - Memorial & Tribute Trees a Living Tribute https://shop.alivingtribute.org/collections/plant-a-tree-for-someone/products/georgia>.

The family has chosen to do a Celebration of Life in both Florida at his home and at the family farm in Meriwether County, Georgia. The Florida Celebration will be held on September 1, 2024, from 5 - 7 PM, at his home, 3344 Harbour Drive, Mount Dora, Florida. The Meriwether County, Georgia Celebration will be held on November 9, 2024, at 4 PM at 2330 Jones Mill Road, Woodbury, Georgia.

An online guestbook is available at www.hardenpauli.com