Cecil Leon Whitaker, 82, of Picayune passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at his residence.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 3 p.m. at Picayune Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Arlis Grice officiating, assisted by Bro. Gary Killen. Visitation will be at Picayune Funeral Home on Thursday, November 19, 2009 from 2 p.m. until time of service. Burial will follow at Liberty Cemetery under the direction of Picayune Funeral Home.

Cecil, a native of Arkansas, moved to Picayune eleven years ago from Bastrop, La. He was an iron worker, a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, and a member of Goodyear Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Sherman Otta Whitaker and Ila Juanita Burgess Whitaker; and son, Anthony Glen Whitaker.

He is survived by: his wife, Annie Kerry Whitaker of Picayune; two sons, Ricky Whitaker of Picayune and Philip Whitaker of Diamondhead; one daughter, Patricia Lewis of Picayune; two daughters-in-law, Patsy Whitaker and Kelly Whitaker; two brothers, Charles Whitaker of Louisiana and Billy Butler of Louisiana; one sister, Mildred Hogon of Louisiana; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Arrangements are under direction of Picayune Funeral Home.