James Earl 'Pig' Whitaker

“And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?”

~ II Samuel 3:38

     Today, we pause to pay tribute to the memory of James Earl Whitaker, who was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He was one, who loved his family with all of his heart. He was a wholehearted man who would give you the shirt off his back. James would help anyone in their time of need. He enjoyed working on cars and lawn mowers; watching movies; listening to music and spending quality time with his family.

     On Saturday, September 26, 1953, James was born in Rich Square, North Carolina to the parentage of the late Wilson and Lena Mae Jacobs Whitaker. He was educated in both the Bertie and Northampton County Public School Systems. At an early age, James was baptized and he united in Christian Fellowship with First Baptist Church, Rich Square, North Carolina. His occupation, as a painter, spanned over 25 years, with Tarheel Casket Company, Woodland, North Carolina, until his retirement in 1995.

     ‘Pig’ as he was fondly called by many in his community, never met a stranger. He would spark a conversation with everyone.

     On Thursday, January 26, 2023, James was summoned home to eternal rest and peace while in the care of ECU - Roanoke Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie, North Carolina. As he transitioned from our care into God’s keeping, he now rests safely in the arms of Jesus and we can hear his spirit utter these words, “Don’t cry for me, I’m not gone. My soul is at rest, my heart lives on. Light a candle for me to see and hold on to the my memory, but save your tears for I’m still here by your side through the years.”

      That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10: 9) Three weeks prior to James transitioning, he professed his faith and received the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by: two brothers, Pernell Whitaker and Eugene Whitaker and one sister, Christine Boone.

    Though the clouds may hang over, there will be a brighter day. In the land they call heaven, God shall wipe all tears away. We who remain struck by the bitter pains of death, but are assured by the promise, made by God; that He will wipe all tears from our eyes are: his loving wife of 36 years, Geraldine B. Whitaker of the home; his children, Charles Bell and Valeria Bell (Clarence) all of Rich Square, North Carolina, Vickie Bell (Bre’onte) of Franklin, Virginia and Alice Bell (Andrew) of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina; nine grandchildren; siblings, Ola Mae Cunningham, Wilson Whitaker (Gloria) and Minnie Jones all of Knightdale, North Carolina, Arthur Jacobs of Lasker, North Carolina, Mary Boone (Larry) of Rich Square, North Carolina, Thomas Whitaker of Jackson, North Carolina and Donald Whitaker of Murfreesboro, North Carolina; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. 

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mr. Whitaker's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

The Caring Team of T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC is privileged to provide

"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Mr. James Earl 'Pig' Whitaker.

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

***TO ENSURE DESIRED FLORAL SELECTIONS AND A TIMELY DELIVERY,

PLEASE PLACE ORDERS THE DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRST VIEWING OF DECEASED***

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