Mr. Arvel Leonard "Shorty" Whitaker, 91, of Cookeville, passed away Monday, October 26, 2020 in Mabry Health and Rehabilitation Center in Gainesboro. A private graveside service and interment will be held at West Cemetery Sunday, November 1. A Celebration of Life and memorial service will be held at a later date. Arvel Leonard Whitaker was born September 29, 1929, the son of the late Henry Peyton Whitaker and Nellie (Clouse) Whitaker of Cookeville. Mr. Whitaker was a proud veteran, enlisting in the Navy following his graduation in 1950 from Central High School in Cookeville. He served in active combat duty in the Navy during the Korean War aboard the U.S.S. Epping Forest. He was honorably discharged. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He married Mary Lavinia Hodge, of Crossville, August 13, 1956, in Ringgold, Georgia. They were married for 34 years until her death on January 1, 1991. He sold insurance early in his professional career while he and Mary lived in Indiana. He then went to work for SuperValu Co. as a distribution driver servicing grocery and convenience stores, precipitating a move to Marietta, Georgia. He was promoted to supervisor and oversaw routes and product placement throughout portions of the South and Midwest. After his retirement from SuperValu, he pursued his love for fishing, hunting and being with friends and family. He especially enjoyed seeing relatives at the annual family get-togethers and grave decorations. A lifetime animal lover, he and wife Mary raised several cats. In his later years, he adopted several dogs, with his favorite being a rescue he named “Lady.” From his time in Georgia, he became a lifelong fan of the Atlanta Braves and enjoyed watching the team, which continued after he moved back to Cookeville upon retirement. Mr. Whitaker was also an avid fan of the Tennessee Tech University Golden Eagles. He was an annual season pass holder for both football and basketball games. He loved all things Western, from classic movies to books, especially his prized collection of Louis L ’Amour novels and short stories. A devoted Baptist, he was also a Gospel music lover. He engaged in countless hours of dominoes and cards with friends and family over the years, with his favorite being Rummy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary (Hodge) Whitaker; brother, Henry Thomas Whitaker; brother-in-law, Floyd Levi Jernigan Sr.; and nephew, Henry Thomas Whitaker Jr. He is survived by sister, Blanche (Whitaker) Jernigan of Rolla, Missouri; sister, Wanda (Whitaker) Palladino and her husband Joseph Palladino of Knoxville; sister-in-law, Dixie (Austin) Whitaker of Decherd; and many nieces and nephews. Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com