Wayne Michael Whitaker

Wayne Michael (Mike) Whitaker entered the presence of our Heavenly Father in the early hours of July 27, 2025. Mike devoted his life to the service of his Lord and Savior, preaching in Kentucky and Illinois, with most of his time being in the New River Valley. He always said he would be preaching until the Good Lord called him home, and this was most certainly the case.

Mike was born and raised in Tell City, Indiana by his mother Annis and stepfather Paul. His birth father, Pete was killed in World War II and never had the opportunity to meet his newborn son. After high school, Mike graduated from Detroit College of Business and moved to Kingsport, Tennessee where he would meet and marry the love of his life, Gaye. They would welcome their first daughter Lora in Tennessee.

The family relocated to Altavista, Virginia for his work, where his second daughter Jennifer was born. At church they met Jack and Esther Leamnson who soon became their mentors and friends and became like grandparents to the girls for the rest of their lives. Jack was a strong influence on Mike and encouraged him to attend bible college. Mike soon graduated from Roanoke Bible College (now Mid-Atlantic Christian University) and began his journey of ministry.

Mike had a special bond with his sister Darla that continued until his death. They spoke every day, sometimes multiple times per day, and shared a love of watching Dancing with the Stars together.

Besides his call for discipleship and ministering, Mike had a passion for technology and computers. There was a never a time his daughters can recall that he wasn’t “working on a computer” for someone. He enjoyed technical coding and solving problems which led to his teaching and retiring from New River Community College and Pulaski County High School.

Mike and his wife raised Arabian horses and were members of the Eastern Crabbet Arabian Horse Society and would show their horses at their annual shows. Even after Gaye’s passing, he continued to be active and attend shows and was responsible for their quarterly newsletters.

In the last few years, Mike was able to return to a weekly bowling league and although he was no longer competitive, he simply enjoyed spending time with his friends there. He also loved watching basketball, especially college and WNBA, and always pulled for any Indiana sports teams that played.

Mike’s children and grandchildren were a great source of pride and enjoyment. He loved being with them for any occasion. His annual “Paw Paw’s Day” where his grandchildren came and decorated the Christmas tree and baked cookies together was his favorite.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gaye. Left to cherish his memory is his sister Darla; his daughters: Lora (Gary) Howard, Jennifer (Nick) Rush; grandchildren: Cody (Tiffany) Rush, Forrest (Marybeth) Rush, Gabbi (Logan) Price, Clay (Nikki) Howard, Micah Howard, Lilly Rush and Annaliise Howard; great-grandchildren: Abigail and Jackson Rush, Hallie Rush, Wrenley Price, Elowyn Howard and soon to arrive Jacqueline Rush; nieces and nephews whom he cherished; special longtime friends who were like family, Victor Kelsey and John Delap.

Mike’s arrangements are being handled by Horne Funeral Home. Visitation with family will be held at Alleghany Church of Christ, 2095 N Franklin St, Christiansburg on Friday, August 1 from 1-3 p.m. The funeral service will immediately follow with interment at Sunset Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Gaye Y Whitaker Memorial Fund (a charity named for his wife that supports local women battling cancer). Donations can be mailed to 820 Hillcrest Drive, Christiansburg, VA 24073.