Rev. Joe Otis Whitaker Jr., 79, of Plainview, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 9, 2024. A loving father, devoted grandfather, and faithful servant of God, Rev. Whitaker's life was marked by his deep commitment to faith, family, and service to others. He will always be remembered for his unwavering dedication to preaching God's word and for the profound impact he had on the lives of those who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, at United Baptist Church in Plainview, Texas. A viewing will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Bartley Funeral Home. A burial will follow at Plainview Memorial Park.

Rev. Whitaker was born on September 10, 1945, in Waco, Texas, to Joe Otis Whitaker Sr. and Hazel Williams. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, the late Rev. Clarence Brown, in Plainview, Texas. After high school, he joined the United States Army in 1964, serving his country honorably until his discharge in 1967. After retiring from the military, Joe worked in various fields from Plainview Airport to Missouri Beef. However, it was his passion for preaching the gospel that truly defined his life. He devoted many years to sharing the love and truth of Christ, serving as Assistant Pastor of United Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Walter Griffin, as well as minister in numerous communities and inspiring countless individuals to deepen their faith.

Rev. Whitaker leaves behind a large, loving family who will forever cherish his memory. He was survived by his former wife, Millie Whitaker, and their children: Bobby Whitaker (Tasha) of Glenn Heights, Texas; Felisha Whitaker of Aurora, Colorado; Roshella Whitaker of Lubbock, Texas; LeQuitta Davis (Damone) of Plainview, Texas; Eric Whitaker (Tasha) of Midland, Texas; Shaniqua Whitaker of Sparta, Wisconsin; Antonio Owens (Jaime) of Abernathy, Texas; Nicole Owens of Lubbock, Texas; Shawnday Owens (Jorell) of Delray Beach, Florida; siblings: sisters: Betty Jackson (Roosevelt) of Amarillo, Texas; Ethel Singleton of Midlothian, Texas; Dorothy Briggs of Dallas, Texas; Joanne Garrison of Dallas, Texas; Sandra Thomas of Dallas, Texas; brothers: Fred Herring (Emma) of Plainview, Texas; Jimmy Brown (Valerie) of Mansfield, Texas; William Brown of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Kenneth Thomas of Dallas, Texas; and Ray Thomas of Dallas, Texas. Rev. Whitaker's legacy also includes 24 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom he loved and cherished deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Alma Peel, Princess Hunter and Sharon Thomas; brothers Curtis Herring, Edward Brown, John Bob Whitaker and Charles Whitaker; sister-in-law Beverly Brown; daughter Ebonee Owens, and grandson Kalind Davis.

Rev. Whitaker's love for God, his family, and his community will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be greatly missed, but his faith and influence will continue to guide and inspire those who carry on his memory.