Joseph Thomas Whitaker

Joseph Thomas Whitaker, age 80, of Old Fort, while surrounded by his family, passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at his residence.  Born in Kings Mountain, North Carolina on May 18, 1936, he was the son of the late Rose Evelyn Jones. 

An avid hunter and fisherman, Joseph was raised in Black Mountain.  Following 32 years of service, he retired from the City of Asheville’s Water Department.  In his younger years, he enjoyed driving stock cars on a dirt track. 

He is survived by one daughter, Mary Rose Whitaker; one son, Joseph Walter Whitaker; one brother, Theodore Flemming Bartlett; two grandchildren, Jeffery Thomas McKinney and wife, Kaytlyn) and Chanda Marie Rumfelt; five great grandchildren, Jeffery Payton McKinney, Gunnar Thomas McKinney, Brennan Zane Bailey, Major Knight Mead and Melek Knowledge Mead.  A special caregiver, Trevor Glenn is also surviving. 

In keeping with Joseph’s wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date.  Family and friends wishing to share a thought or memory are encouraged to do so online at, www.beamfuneralservice.com.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Whitaker’s memory are encouraged to consider, CarePartners Hospice & Palliative Care – McDowell-, 68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, North Carolina 28803 or by visiting www.carepartnersfoundation.org.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the staff and nurse Stephanie of Hospice of McDowell for the loving and compassionate care they provided for Joseph and his family during this time.