Dr. Larry Whiteaker

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Dr. Larry H. Whiteaker, retired professor of history at Tennessee Tech, passed away Sunday March 23, 2025 at his home in Cookeville.

Born December 25, 1946 in Putnam County, TN he was the son of the late Herman and Eva Lee Whiteaker.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Louis Whiteaker.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Dr. Lisa Whiteaker, and sons, Nathan J. Whiteaker and Daniel Whiteaker, all of Cookeville.

Growing up in the Dry Valley community of Putnam County, Dr. Whiteaker attended elementary school there and graduated from Cookeville Central High School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee Tech in 1968. In that same year, he won a Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship, which enabled him to attend graduate school. After two years in the U.S. Army infantry, he entered Princeton University, receiving a Master's of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in American History.

In 1973, Dr. Whiteaker became a professor of history at Tennessee Tech, where he served for thirty-five years. Although the author/editor of eight books and many articles and essays on American history, his greatest love was the classroom, where his lectures were noted for his deep knowledge of history and for his sense of humor. In 1978, he received an Outstanding Faculty Award from Tennessee Tech.

Dr. Whiteaker was a member of Collegeside Church of Christ, where he taught adult Bible classes for twenty years and served as an elder for eight years.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday March 26 at Collegeside Church of Christ. Bro. John Nichols, Bro. Joe Roberts, and Bro. Kelly Campbell will officiate. Interment will follow at Dry Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Visitation for friends and family will be from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Larry and Lisa Whiteaker Scholarship Endowment, TTU Foundation, P.O. Box 1915, Cookeville, TN 38505.

The Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.