Mr. Van Gentry Whitaker

Mr. Van Gentry Whitaker passed away on Monday, December 31, 2018, at Novant Health Medical Center (Forsyth) in Winston Salem.  He was 72, born on April 6, 1946, to Oscar Gentry Whitaker and Mary Holly Whitaker.  Van was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Elaine Wilmoth Whitaker.  He is survived by his wife, Brenda J. Miller of the home; son, Jonathan Gentry Whitaker, and wife, Sally of Dobson; his daughter, Sommer Leigh Whitaker of Winston-Salem and a step-daughter, Jan Rose Ayers of Elkin.  He is also survived by grandsons, Houston Gentry Whitaker and Harrison Spark Whitaker of Dobson; two step-grandsons, Charles Dylan Royall of Lowgap and Robert Tate Ayers of Elkin and one great step-grandson, Charles Kellan Royall.  He is also survived by one brother, Billy Whitaker, and wife, Joanne and special nieces Teresa, Donna and Jami.  Van grew up at the foot of Pilot Mountain where he learned an appreciation for the beauty of the area and developed his love of cattle which cultivated a lifelong passion.  He earned an Associate’s Degree from Forsyth Technical Institute in Poultry and Livestock Services Technology.  In 1966 Van entered into the Army and served as a medic while stationed in Germany.  After returning home he worked in the poultry industry for a short time and was recruited by NC Farm Bureau.  Van had said, “When he first came to work, the trunk of his car was his office.”  He began working for Farm Bureau in 1973 and continued for 39 years.  He was the top producing agent in the state of North Carolina for more than 20 years receiving many honors throughout his tenure.  He remained humble, although he became known as “Mr. Farm Bureau.”  Van was magnanimous in his home life as well as his work life.  He was generous to a fault.  He was community minded and altruistic in supporting many causes and groups.  Van enjoyed his church community and the many relationships he formed at Elkin Presbyterian Church.  Van served on the Governor’s Veterans Advisory Committee for 16 years.  Van loved going to Atlantic Beach, fishing in the nervous water and sitting on the deck telling stories.  He also loved a good history documentary.  He was a collector over the years, which included coins, old bottles, license tags, old signs, and everything Coca-Cola.  Van will be remembered for his friendly nature and true interest in people and their story.  His family knew Van as a fun loving teddy bear.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elkin Presbyterian Church, 151 Hillcrest Drive, Elkin, NC 28621, Crossroads Baptist Church, 1029 Crossroads Church Road, Dobson, NC 27017 or Whitaker Chapel United Methodist Church, 751 Whitaker Chapel Road, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041.  The family will receive friends Friday, January 4, 2019, at Moody-Davis in Dobson beginning at 6:00 pm.  A memorial service celebrating Van’s life will be Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Elkin Presbyterian Church at 12:00 Noon with interment to follow at Crossroads Baptist Church Cemetery.