of Batesville, AR
September 5, 1941 - January 17, 2026
Asa Lee Whitaker Jr., age 84, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, in Batesville, Arkansas. He was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on September 5, 1941, to Asa Lee and Mary Ella Robinson Whitaker. He was a graduate of Karns High School after which he attended the University of Tennessee where he earned both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Industrial Engineering. Asa married his high school sweetheart, Ann Lynette Gilmore, July 9, 1960.
Asa was employed with the Eastman Chemical Company for 33 years. In 1974, Asa and his family moved to Batesville, Arkansas to help lead the construction of a new Eastman Chemical Plant. Among his many accomplishments as the Quality Management Coordinator at Arkansas Eastman, Asa was privileged to work with then Governor Bill Clinton to improve quality in state government. That effort led to Asa receiving the National Governors Award for Distinguished Service in 1991.
Asa was a man of great faith. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Batesville, Arkansas. Not only serving in various leader roles in his local church, he also was a leader on the State, National and Global scale within the United Methodist Church, including service as a representative of the Arkansas delegation at the World Methodist Council in Seoul, Korea.
Asa loved God, spending time with his family, traveling across the world with Lynette, duck hunting, model trains, gardening, and the Tennessee Volunteers. Mostly he loved life in general and cherished every adventure. Among his last adventures was a trip to the Cuba for Mission work, the Holy Lands, and family trips to the beach.
Asa is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years and his parents. He is survived by his daughters, Amy Blaylock (Ray), Abby Barker (Roger); four grandchildren, Josh Blaylock (Erin), Hannah Lewis (Michael), Emma Stolarik (Kyler), and Lily Barker; six great-grandchildren, James, Isabelle and Olivia Blaylock, and Luke, Lydia and Leeland Lewis; a brother, Bobby Whitaker (Liz), as well as nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are Lyndal Waits, Ron Lewallen, Michael West, Kyler Stolarik, Michael Lewis, and Josh Blaylock. Honorary pallbearers are Hannah Lewis, Emma Stolarik, Lily Barker, and Erin Blaylock.
Funeral services will begin at 2:00pm Thursday, January 22, 2026, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Katie Pearce and Rev. Thomas Frase officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held from 1:00pm Thursday, January 22, 2026, until the service begins at the church.
Memorials may be made in his honor to First United Methodist Church Youth Ministry, 615 E Main Street, Batesville, AR 72501.
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14 Condolence(s)
Carolyn DeFries
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
So sorry to hear this. I worked with Asa for years at Eastman. Prayers for the family.
Barbara Necessary
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
My love for Asa and Lynette is endless. They were my best friends.
Ed Holland
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Fond memories
Randy Whiteaker
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Amy and Abby im so sorry to hear about this. Your Dad was a good man and will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you and your families. May God comfort your all.
Karen Collins
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Asa was my boss many years ago when I worked at Eastman. He was a very nice person. Sorry for your loss.
The JOYNER family (Bundoora,Victoria, Australia
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Love to all from us "way down under". Many great times held with Asa, Lynette and Abby when they travelled down under to work with us at Kodak Australia on our Quest to be Quality Compliant and our enrty for the Australian Quality Awards. Thinking of you all at this time.
Great to meet the extended family, Amy,Ray,Roger and their children when we visited Arkansas.
Carolyn Matheny Wammack
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Mr. Asa was a fine man. He never met a stranger. I enjoyed visiting with him when I would go to the Eagle Mtn. Assisted Living Center where he resided. We would talk about our dachshunds that we both had in the past. His family is in my prayers today and the days ahead.
Karen Weaver
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
What a true joy to have known Asa. He was such a blessing at Eagle Mountain Assisted Living & a friend to us all. He was smart & kind & happy & fun & often had the last laugh in activities! He will be missed!
Shayne Gaither
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
I'm very sorry. I enjoyed talking with him on the front porch.
Nicole Joyner
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
An amazing man whom I am grateful to have known. Share many wonderful memories and will forever hold a place in my heart. Sending love to Amy, Abby and all the family xo
Sue Griffis
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
My thoughts prayers and love go out to the family.
Blain Lewis
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Asa was a gracious, kind and friendly man and I enjoyed knowing him. He will be missed. Prayers for his family.
Robbie and Mark Brightwell
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Amy, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Jacqueline Hall
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Sending love and prayers to Asa's family. He and Lynette were such wonderful people and friends during my days of living in Batesville, Arkansas. I am sure he will be truly missed.