Mr. Hayden Cecil Whitaker, age 71, of Grayson, Ga, formally of Ellijay, died Sunday February 28, 2016.

Mr. Whitaker was born June 15, 1944 in Gilmer County the son of the late Cecil and Beatrice Smith Whitaker. Hayden graduated from Gilmer High School, Class of 1962, Reinhardt College and the University of Georgia. He also served in the US Air Force and was employed by Sun Trust Bank. He was a member of the East Ellijay Baptist Church and attended the First Baptist Church of Snellville. His parents, sisters, Gladys Morris, Betty Painter and brothers, Ben and Mack Whitaker preceded him in death.
He was a very sweet and caring man, who will be greatly missed.

Survivors include: sisters and brother-in-law; Brenda and Jerry Downs, Snellville, Lois Waddell, Hilda Bailey, and Charlotte Dickey all of Ellijay. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Memorial services will be held Saturday March 5, 2016 at 11:00am from the chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with Rev. James Holt officiating.
The family will meet with friends Saturday from 10 until 11:00am at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Snellville Baptist Church, 2400 Main Street/P.O. Box 647, East Snellville, GA 30078 in memory of Mr. Whitaker.