Maj. Fred Houston Whitaker Jr., 82, died Sunday, March 14, 2021, in Williamsburg, Va. He was born October 28, 1938, in Wadesboro, N.C., to the late Fred H. “Whit” Whitaker and Addie Hough Whitaker. He grew up in Kannapolis, N.C., and lived for many years in Lompoc, Calif., and Chesapeake, Va.

A safety engineer, he retired from the Air Force and consulted for ManTech SRS Technologies. He supported many missile launches during his career, primarily at Vandenberg Air Force Base. He enjoyed stamp collecting, competitive skeet and trap shooting, reading, and involvement at Great Bridge Presbyterian Church in Chesapeake.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Thornburg Whitaker; a daughter, Jenny DeVasher; and grandchildren Henry and Maggie DeVasher, all of Williamsburg, as well as a son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Patty Whitaker, of Santa Maria, Calif. He was predeceased by a sister, Ann Pinson.

The family plans a memorial service at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice House of Williamsburg. The Cremation Society of Virginia is in charge of arrangements, and online condolences may be shared at vacremationsociety.com.