Joseph Theodore "Joe" Whitaker

Asheville - Joseph Theodore Joe Whitaker, 65, went to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, May 3, 2004 at his residence. A lifelong resident of Buncombe County. Mr. Whitaker was a Truck Driver for over 27 years and retired from ABF. He was a member of Oakley Baptist Church and a member of the Biltmore Masonic Lodge # 446. He was a son of the late Theodore and Christine Whitaker and also preceded in death by his sister, Faye Hugg and brother, Fredrick Whitaker. Surviving are his wife, Marie Whitaker of the home; daughters, Donna Tate and husband, Paul and Diane Tate and husband, Joe all of Fairview, grandchildren, Jessica, Jamie, Kyle and Kaylee Tate; sisters, Marie Carver of Asheville and Jean Tigges of Raleigh; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at Oakley Baptist Church with the Rev. Tom Pierce officiating. Burial will be at Emmas Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Masonic Graveside Rites conducted by the Biltmore Masonic Lodge. The Lodge will open at 10 a.m. Wednesday. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Oakley Baptist Church, 70 Fairview Rd., Asheville, N.C. 28803