Habersham County is mourning the loss of former coach and educator, William Russell “Richard” Whitaker, Jr. “Coach Whit” as he was affectionately known, passed away Thursday at his home in Cornelia. He was 89.
Whitaker spent 29 years as a teacher and athletics coach, mostly in Habersham County, according to his obituary. He was a longtime defensive football coach at South Habersham and Habersham Central high schools. He also served as the head football coach at Patterson, Truetlen County, and Wilcox County high schools.
He is a member of the Habersham County Football Ring of Honor and was a longtime member of the Optimist Club.
Coach Whit is survived by his son and daughter and three grandchildren.
Click here for Coach Whit’s complete obituary.
