In loving memory of
Gary King Whitaker

• January 22, 1958
• -
• August 28, 2024

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Gary King Whitaker, age 66, died after a courageous battle with cancer on August 28th, 2024, in Winter Park, Florida.

Gary is survived by his beloved siblings, Judy Whitaker, of Crystal Lake, Illinois and his brother, Greg Whitaker, of New Haven, Connecticut; his nieces, Breeze Recupido, Chancy Grant, and Ryann Whitaker; his nephews, Jonathan Whitaker and Kris Whitaker; his cousin, Michael DeForest of St Petersburg, Florida. He is preceded in death by his father, Francis King Whitaker, of Winter Park, Florida; his mother, Joan Bill Whitaker, of Winter Park, Florida; and his sister, Jan Whitaker, of Winter Park, Florida.

Gary was born on January 22, 1958, in Orlando, Florida, to parents Frank and Joan Whitaker. He graduated from Winter Park High School, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Warner University. A lifetime resident of the Central Florida area, Gary accepted a position with Whole Foods Market when the first Winter Park location opened, and worked there tirelessly for more than 24 years. Gary was proud to work at Whole Foods Market, and he wanted to return to work until the end; Gary was confident the Whole Foods Market produce department still needed his touch!

Gary was funny, and loved to laugh. He also loved music, and looked forward to visiting his sister in Chicago for the annual Blues Festival, where they would spend time on the Chicago lakefront, eat pizza, and relax on one of his infrequent weeks away from work. Gary was able to attend the Blues Festival one last time in June of 2024, and he was thrilled. Gary also loved computers and technology, and bonded with his grand-nephews about video games. His family and friends will always remember him as a fiercely loyal person.

Cremation services will take place privately. Gary’s Whole Foods Market friends welcome you to attend a celebration of Gary’s life on October, 7th, from 5pm-8pm at Swine & Sons in Winter Park, Florida, where the family will also gather to laugh and reminisce about Gary’s adventures.

The family would like to thank Ralph “Terry” Hadley, Alexandra Fox, Rick Baldwin, Whole Foods Market, and our extended friends and family for their support.