Emmitt Whitaker

Emmitt Whitaker, age 86, of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away on Friday July 16, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Perry County and was a coal operator and miner for the Whitaker Coal Company. He was a gifted storyteller who enjoyed making folks laugh. Emmitt was a craftsman who loved carpentry. He was a US Army veteran and member of the Hyden Mason Lodge #664 F. & A.M.; as well as, a 32 degree Mason, and member of the Oleika Shrine. Emmitt was preceded in death by his children, Leona Whitaker Key and Jeff Whitaker; parents, Luther Whitaker and Jettie Wooten Whitaker; and by brothers, Elmer, Earl, Edward, and Everett Whitaker. He is survived by his wife, Faith Combs Whitaker; children, Denise Whitaker Mitchell, Todd Whitaker and wife Linda, and Jettie Whitaker Begley; daughter-in-law, Missy Whitaker; step-son, Marvin E. Pinaire III and wife Ana; 11 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren, and one great great granddaughter; and by a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends who will mourn his passing but celebrate his life. Visitation will be on Monday July 19, 2021 from 12noon until 2pm at the Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, where his funeral service will be held at 2pm in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Terry Joseph officiating. Masonic rites by Hyden Lodge #664 F. & A.M. will be at 2pm prior to his funeral. Entombment will follow in Cumberland Memorial Gardens in Lily, Kentucky with military honors by the Keavy DAV. Messages may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com