Samuel Howard Whitaker 77 of Hillsville, VA, passed away on Thursday December 03, 2009 at Pulaski Community Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur & Percie Cockerham Whitaker. He is survived by his wife Pearl Nichols Whitaker of the home; daughters & son-in-law Connie Cwik of Greensboro, NC, Donna & David Pruitt of Raleigh, NC, Denise Whitaker of Hillsville; son Sammy Whitaker of Woodlawn; step-son & spouse Ron & Tammy Smith of Richmond, VA; brothers & sisters-in-laws Melvin & Irene Whitaker of Greensboro, NC, Bobby & Diane Whitaker of Pleasant Garden, NC, and Alton Whitaker of SC; sisters & brothers-in-laws Patsy & Ernie Price of SC, and Geraldine & Richard Williams of NC; four grandchildren Stephany Hedgecock, Cody Whitaker, Chelsea Alderman, and Brittany Alderman; one great grandson Emery Hedgecock.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday December 06, 2009 at 3:30 PM at the Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel with the Rev. Norman Goad officiating. Burial will follow in the Dry Pond Cemetery. Military Rites will be conducted by Hillsville V.F.W. Post 1115. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday December 05, 2009 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.