Townson-Rose Funeral Home

Obituary for James "Shorty" Whitaker


07/02/1931 - 06/12/2018


James "Shorty" Whitaker, age 86 of Andrews, NC passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at his residence.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, NC and the son of the late Gordon and Essie Hardin Whitaker. James was a self-employed logger. He loved his grandkids and family. James loved the mountains and running a chainsaw.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one step-daughter, Martha Brown; brothers, Arvil Whitaker, Jr Whitaker and JD Whitaker; and one sister, Mary Holloway.

He is survived by his wife, Vernell Milsaps Whitaker; one daughter, Lisa Sutton and husband Scott; one step-daughter, Lois Pierce and husband Phillip; one step-son, Joe Brown and wife Charlotte; two brothers, Daniel Whitaker and wife Robbie and David Whitaker and wife Dena; three sisters, Ollie May Corn and husband Kenny, Rose Pullium and Janice Cope; grandchildren, Jake Lovingood, Jason Whitley, Ethan Sutton, Jr Brown, Melody Bruce, Michael Brown Lynnett Whitley and Matthew Brown; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at 2 pm, Friday, June 15, 2018 at the Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews. Pastor Eddie Hardin and Pastor Jason Holloway will officiate. Burial will be in the Valley River Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12-2 pm, Friday, June 15, 2018 at the Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.


You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com