Benny Dale Whitaker, age 82, of Science Hill, Kentucky, passed from this life on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Hospice of Lake Cumberland.
Dale was born to the late Thurman Pete Whitaker and Carrie Whitaker in Line Creek Community of Pulaski County, Kentucky.
Beginning his mechanical career at the age of 6 by skills taught to him from his father. Dale engineered his first car, a go-cart, before the age of 10 and continued his love of speed and all things automotive by building high quality engines and transmissions for drag cars until he retired. He enjoyed spending every weekend drag racing, where numerous lifelong friends were made. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and enjoyed watching it from the comfort of his recliner. After his drag racing days came to an end, Dale enjoyed spending time houseboating on Lake Cumberland and Center Hill Lake. What brought the most joy to Dale’s life was spending time with his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Dale was preceded in death by his brothers: Cecil, Donnie “Butch”, Mikey and Danny Whitaker, sisters: Hazel Whitaker and Jodi Hart, son-in-law, Michael Scott, and brother-in-law, Joe Price.
He leaves behind, his ex-wife Peggy Whitaker of Tennessee who selflessly cared for him throughout Hospice until his final days; son Ronald Whitaker (Robin) of Indiana: daughters: Sylvia Scott of Indiana; Angela Long (Shane) and Emily Newberry (Joey) both of Tennessee; sisters: Norma Price, Janet Phelps (Wade); Patty Ping (Denton), Tammy Glover (Kenny) all of Kentucky; sister-in-laws: Virginia Whitaker of CA; Lisa Whitaker and Jan Whitaker both of Somerset, KY; brother-in-law, Doug Hart also of Kentucky; grandchildren: Michael Scott (Nichole), Ronnie Whitaker (Kristina), Brandi Owens (Jason), Dana Kimmel (Brandon) all of Indiana, Jackson Long, Andrew Long, and Kennedy Newberry all of Tennessee.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026 from 6pm – 8pm in the Chapel of the Southern Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 2 pm at the funeral home with Bro. Kevin Bullock officiating. Burial will follow in Renfro Cemetery. Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Benny Dale Whitaker.