Kenneth Loyd Whitaker

Kenneth Loyd Whitaker, beloved friend, son and brother passed away Sunday, February 1st 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed away in Indiana, where he had lived for the last several years. His life-partner and devoted caregiver Julie Ann Reynolds, was by his side.

Kenny was a true friend, a devoted family member, and a huge, unforgettable personality, who was loved by so many. His memory will be cherished.

Kenny was born in Americus Georgia, August 26, 1962 to his mother Nancy and his father Don Whitaker. He grew up with his brother Donnie and his sister Sherri, as part of a wonderful, loving, close-knit family . He was preceded in death by all four of his immediate family members, and he is now reunited in Heaven with his beloved family.

Kenny was 63 years old, and spent his early life In Americus where he attended public schools , was active in little league sports, Boy Scouts, and civic life... He graduated Americus High school, where he played baseball, and he received his college degree from Georgia Southwestern College in 1985, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Kenny had an indelible, gregarious personality and never met a stranger... and he used this to his advantage as he worked in sales most of his adult life. He lived for a time in Brevard North Carolina, and always cherished his time camping in the mountains. He was a hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman... a raconteur, a foodie, a true gourmand who enjoyed fine restaurants, music, a good cigar and special times with friends… Most of all Kenny was an outsized personality - always the life of the party, and one of the funniest human beings on the planet. If you were around Kenny, you were guaranteed laughter. He was an uncanny mimic; he possessed a rapier wit, and a smooth, effortless charm.

Kenny was a founding member and Sargent at Arms of "The Dirty Water Boys", a group of close friends who have a predilection for fine bourbon, fine cigars, and war stories, (that may or may not have been true).

He could always be counted on when viewing a Braves game, to break out in his Harry Carey impersonation : "Holy Cow !... and it's a pop fly to deep centerfield !"

He was a devoted Braves fan, a golf nut who visited the Masters at Augusta many times over the years... a lifelong deer hunter who had a special affinity for fine guns, the outdoors, and nature.

Kenny lived for a time in Athens Georgia, and was a lifelong rabid University of Georgia Bulldogs fan.

His body was cremated and his wishes will be fulfilled that some of his ashes will be scattered in the hedges at Sanford Stadium, some in Montreat North Carolina near the cabin that belongs to his stepmother Andrea - (a very special place near and dear to his heart - where he spent many wonderful times with his father Don, and close friends), and ashes spread in various other places that were special to him.

He will be interred with his family members, at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Americus.

Kenny had a lifelong deep and abiding Christian faith, that helped to carry him through the recent years and his struggles with illness. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Americus, where his family was active during his childhood years ... and he was a member of Prince Ave., Baptist Church in Athens.

He was a longtime member of a men's study group at Johnson Ferry Baptist, in Marietta, Georgia, where he received much love and support over the years.

Kenny is survived by his father's brothers : uncles Douglas and Hodges Whitaker of Griffin & Albany, his aunt Elsie of Americus , his cousin Rob of Marietta Georgia, and his goddaughter Kelsey Claire Stephens of Marietta Georgia, and various cousins and family members from the Whitaker family and the Witt family.

There will be a celebration of life for Kenny Whitaker at First Baptist Church in Americus Georgia, on Saturday, February 21 at 11am. There will be a luncheon afterwards for close friends and family.

We, his friends and family, now rejoice that Kenny is in Heaven with Nancy, Don, Donnie and Sherri, at last. He is restored, and whole again; and witness to the glory of God, and Christ his Savior.