Jerry R. Whitaker

Jerry R. Whitaker passed away on September 6, 2026, at the age of 75. Jerry was born in Bay Shore, NY to the late George and Geraldine Whitaker.

A graduate of the Engineering School at Syracuse University, Jerry earned his Electrical Engineering degree and began his career at Eaton, formerly Westinghouse Electric. Jerry had a distinguished career with Eaton, lasting 38 years that began as a sales engineer and culminated in Jerry becoming a leading executive in the electrical industry. Over the course of his career, Jerry also earned an MBA from George Washington University and served as Chairman of the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, PA. Jerry also served on the boards of directors of several companies, including Milliken, Matthews, and Crescent, and as a former Chairman of the Board for Sealed Air. Jerry’s commitment to leadership and community was evident in all aspects of his life, extending beyond business to his involvement in The Cliffs Communities and high school robotics.

Outside of work, Jerry found joy in golfing, traveling with his wife Mary, friends and family, and spending time with his seven grandchildren. Of all the things Jerry valued in life, his family stood above all else and remains his proudest accomplishment.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary Whitaker of Sunset, South Carolina. He is also survived by his children: James Whitaker of Malvern, Pennsylvania, and James’s wife, Christine Whitaker; David Whitaker of Dallas, Texas, and David’s wife, Beth Whitaker; and Katelyn Davis of Fletcher, North Carolina, and Katelyn’s husband, Patrick Davis. He leaves behind grandchildren Jack Stewart Whitaker, Thomas Bannon Whitaker, Charles Jeffrey Whitaker, Graham Wilson Whitaker, Harvey Drake Whitaker, Colin George Davis and Margaret Fitzgerald Davis. He is also survived by his sister, Melissa Schatzberg, and his brother, Richard Whitaker.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on September 19, 2026, at The Lakehouse at The Cliffs Keowee Vineyards starting at 12 p.m. A reception will follow the service until 2 p.m.

The Lakehouse at The Cliffs Keowee Vineyards – 1851 Cleo Chapman Highway, Sunset, SC, 29685

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.