Ken Whitaker passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29th, surrounded by his loved ones.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Ken will be remembered for his extraordinary character, strength, generosity and genuine care for others. He was a businessman and a friend to many, with a gift for making people feel welcome. Ken never met a stranger and was always ready with a story, a laugh or a helping hand.

Ken was an avid outdoorsman, sportsman and collector with a deep appreciation for nature. He was happiest in the woods, on the river or at the coast, and he enjoyed a wide range of interests, including hunting, deep-sea fishing, shooting, golfing and amateur radio. His enthusiasm for ham radio grew in recent years, leading him to pursue advanced licenses through the American Radio Relay League, where he was known by his call sign, K4JKW. He especially enjoyed sharing his knowledge and mentoring others who shared his interests.

Born to Jean and Jerrell Whitaker, Ken spent most of his life in Statesboro, where he was a member of the Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church and well-known through his automotive business. He treasured the many lifelong friendships he made along the way and enjoyed the fellowship of the Portal Hunting Club, Nevils Hunting Club, Bulloch Bowmen, Westside Supper Club and Forest Heights Country Club.

Of all the roles Ken held in life, his favorite was grandfather. His granddaughters, Catherine and Elizabeth, were the lights of his life, and he adored them. They loved their grandfather just as deeply.

Ken is preceded in death by his son, Russ; his parents, Jean and Jerrell; and his parents-in-law, Betty and Charlie Adams.

He is survived by his wife, Leigh; his daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Andrew Howard; his granddaughters, Catherine and Elizabeth Howard; his brother and sister-in-law, Pam and Robbie Whitaker; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Darby and Bobby Benson; and his nieces and nephews, Anna and Robert Benson, Bess and Mike Gill, Meagan and Sam Whitaker, Anna and Jake Whitaker and Anna Lane Whitaker; and close friend, Levy Lowery.

Ken and his family are especially grateful for the many loyal friendships that brought him so much joy, with special gratitude for his companion and caregiver of the last four years, Persha Frink.

The family also wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Wanda Brannen, Sheila Miller, Jessica Young, Kimberly Addis, Gwen Lanier, Gracie Williams, CenterWell Home Health Agency, the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Department and Statesboro’s first responders for their care, kindness and support.

The funeral service was held on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Randy Waters and the Rev. Jimmy Cason officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service.

Interment at Eastside Cemetery will be private.

Ken leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship and a life richly lived. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the KT Team, a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for those with physical challenges to continue participating in the outdoors, or to the Humane Society of Statesboro and Bulloch County.

Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.

Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Statesboro Herald, September 3, 2026

Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.statesboroherald.com.