Arthur Ray Whitaker

Arthur Ray Whitaker, 73 of Pullman, Michigan, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.  Born April 2, 1949 in Bald Knob, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Leonard and Nellie (Pruitt) Whitaker and the husband of Dian (Klifman) Whitaker.  Arthur spent over 35 years working for Tiara Yachts as a fiberglass laminator.  He and Dian were fortunate to spend 53 married years together raising their six children.  Arthur was a kind and loving husband and father and never liked to say no to his children, always willing to spoil them.  He enjoyed paintball, nature walks, bowling, riding his lawn mower, and going to any kid’s event that came along.  His pride in his family was enormous and spending time with them brought Arthur true joy.  The special bond they all experienced was precious and provided so many unforgettable memories.

Those left to cherish their memories of Arthur are his wife, Dian; his children, Nicole Vrhel, Corey (Stephanie) Whitaker, Victoria (Dustin) Reed, Dominic Whitaker and Steven Whitaker; 9 grandchildren, Meghan, Casey, Alex, Oliver, Athalya, Noah, Zane, Hailey and Dalilah; 4 great-grandchildren, Taylor, Breyden, Rowen and Evy; and his seven siblings, Sherman (Jenny) Whitaker, Will (Bette) Whitaker, Bill Whitaker, Donnie Whitaker, Charlie Whitaker, Jane (James) Spears, and Sue (Phillip) McGee; and in-laws Herman Bruce Klifman, Richard (Joyce) Klifman, Mary Dykstra and Kenneth Klifman; and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son James Fredrick Taylor, granddaughter Karleigh his sister Ann Cullum , in laws Herman and Beverly Klifman , brother-in-law Randall Klifman and sister-in-law Debbie.

A Celebration of Life is planned later for friends and family.

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