Charles Greenleaf Knight Whitaker

Charles Greenleaf Knight Whitaker went home to be with the Lord at 10:30 pm on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on June 2, 1944, in Camden, South Carolina, he was the youngest of four children. He grew up in Honeoye Falls, New York. He was a businessman and the owner of Bag N’ Baggage. Later in his career, he traveled throughout the southeast selling home goods and bringing smiles to his customers’ faces. Chuck excelled in his career because he had never met a stranger, and he brought that energy to his home life. He embodied the love of Christ by caring for all those around him with a generous spirit. He was an active member of First Baptist Springville, where he was known as the “donut man” because he brought donut holes to Sunday School every week. He was deeply committed to his family, and his mission in life was to care for them. The hole in our hearts left by Chuck’s passing is vast. We will miss his playful spirit — hearing his jokes, watching him laugh so hard he couldn’t even finish the telling, and shaking our heads when we finally got to the punch line. He gave us a listening ear in times of need, shared wisdom when asked, and comforted our hearts with his steady presence. We look forward to the day when we will see him again and find peace in knowing he is free from pain and now resting in the arms of his Savior. Thank you, Chuck, for showing us what it means to love deeply and live a life of service to our families and neighbors. You will always live on in our hearts, and may we embody your generous and faithful spirit in our lives going forward. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Andrew and Phebe Whitaker; brothers, Andrew Whitaker and Colin Whitaker; and sister, Helen Mack. He is survived by his faithful wife of 42 years, Yvett Whitaker (Campbell); daughters, Carolyn Stegik (Beck) and Rebekah Cole (Whitaker); son, Chad Beck; grandchildren Johanna Stegvik, Julia Stegvik, Adam Beck, Olivia Beck, Alexa Henkels (Beck), and Isabel Cole; a number of nieces and nephews; his church family, his beloved cat, Sweet Pea; and numerous friends. Funeral service for Charles will be Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church in Springville, Alabama. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am until service time. Rev. Chip Thornton will officiate. The burial will follow at Springville Cemetery.

Charles Greenleaf Knight Whitaker

June 2, 1944 - July 10, 2026