Frederick Morris “Freddie” Whittaker, Sr.

Frederick Morris “Freddie” Whittaker, Sr., 96, of Fredericksburg passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Spring Arbor Cottage of Fredericksburg after a 5-year struggle with Alzheimer’s. He was previously a resident of Ferry Farm Subdivision until 2018. He was a member of Canaan’s Faith Church of God, Fredericksburg, VA.

He was born on September 18, 1926 to the late George Dewey and Mable Lumpkin Whittaker.  He was raised on their small family farm in Port Royal, VA. In his days of growing up, the area of Port Royal, where he was born, was called Brandywine, which later took on the nickname “The Government Area” because the US Government purchased the land that is known today as A. P. Hill.  After the purchase of their farmland, the family moved to Camden Farm in Port Royal.  He then enlisted in the US Army in 1944 at the age of 17 after changing his Driver’s License year of birth to 1925 to allow him to meet the enrollment age.  He was a proud WW II Veteran.  He spent a majority of the next two years in Nuremberg, Germany with the 405th Infantry Regiment.  During this time, he and several of his fellow soldiers stood guard over Rudolf Hess and the Nuremberg Trials.  He returned from Germany in 1946 and married his wife, Grethel Madison Whittaker. They were married 41 years.  They moved to Fredericksburg seeking employment and to raise their family.  They bought their first and only home in Ferry Farm Subdivision just as it was being developed. This is where they raised their three children, and he remained until 2018.

Starting in 1950, Freddie worked at the FMC plant until its closing. He then accepted a job with the VA Dept. of Highways in Stafford County and retired in 1991.  In addition to his primary jobs, he worked for Carl D. Silver Auto and the Fredericksburg Auto Auction for over 50 years.

In addition to his parents Freddie was preceded in death by his wife, Grethel Madison Whittaker and her son, Jesse Madison; brother Davis Jr. Whittaker; and sister Mary Whittaker Chadwick.

Freddie is survived by his three children, Doris Whittaker Clarke (Terry) of Mathews, VA, Frederick M. “Freddie” Whittaker, Jr., (Carolyn) of Fredericksburg, VA, and Dean Whittaker of Mathews, VA. Niece Janie Whittaker Shamrock of Richmond, VA; and nephews Larry Whittaker of Williamsburg, VA, Wayne Jett, and Scott Jett of South Boston, VA.

We cannot express strongly enough our gratitude to RN Rose Jasmine, her aides Sherry and Stephanie and her entire staff for their generosity, love and compassionate acts of kindness they provided to our father and the family during his stay at Spring Arbor Willow Cottage. Time and time again, you made us happy just to see how affectionately you interacted with him. We will forever remember you.  

A funeral service, conducted by Rev. Timothy Dobson will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at Covenant Funeral Service, 10830 Patriot Highway, Fredericksburg, VA 22408.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home chapel. Interment, with Military Honors, will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canaan’s Faith Church of God, 1470 Forbes Street, Fredericksburg, VA, 22405, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10001, or your local chapter for Alzheimer’s Disease Research.