JAMES ERNEST WHITAKER

James Ernest "Tuff" Whitaker, 71, was born on July 24, 1949, to the late Theodore "Ike" McFadden and Mary Ethel Whitaker-Mathis. He transitioned from his earthly life to his eternal home on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He was educated in the public schools of Sumter. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Trenton, New Jersey. He worked for many years in the steel industry in Columbia. He was also an independent mechanic.

James leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Georgia M. Furnace-Whitaker; his children, Debra D. Evans, Abdullah Khalid Amin Ali (formally known as Tyrone Whitaker) (Latreca), Lamecia Butler, Thomasina Chandler, Eric Whitaker, Patricia McFadden and Willie J. Shephard (Trenice); brothers, John Alexander (Shirley), Alonzo Whitaker, Bernard Mathis, Terry Mathis and Reid Mathis; his sisters, Patricia Smith (Johnny), Debra Jean McFadden, Sabrina Jones and Sandra Peoples; 16 grandchildren; a special niece; and a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, the family is requesting face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends at all home visitation at 1 Andrena Drive, Sumter.

Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Mt. Sinai Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Mayesville, with Abdullah Khalid Amin Ali fka Tyrone Whitaker officiating.

The procession will leave at 2:15 p.m. at the home.

These services are entrusted to the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. Online messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.WilliamsFuneralHomeInc.Com.