Jacob “Jake” William Wilhoite Jr., age 55, passed from this life Sept. 5, 2023, at his home surrounded by the love and dedication of his wife, Kerri Baxter Wilhoite.  Mr. Wilhoite was born in Tullahoma, to his late father, Jacob William Wilhoite Sr. and surviving mother Della Faye McCullough Wilhoite. He was baptized in the Church of Christ as a kid. Mr. Wilhoite was a Christian and is no longer in pain or suffering – completely made whole, as he left this world to enter a better place – HEAVEN. He obtained his Commercial Driving License and drove both locally and “over the road” for many years. His last job was a CDL instructor and through his work, he was able to share his talents and passion with new drivers. Jake had worked diligently in all of his jobs, receiving recognition from his employers for his hard work ethic. He loved to travel, spend time with friends, woodworking, enjoying good food, and loved to cook. Many people appreciated his BBQ sauce as he graciously shared with anyone he could. He always joked that this would be his “retirement plan.” Jake loved everyone and was very much the “life of the party.” He made people feel comfortable immediately and celebrated everyday of life as a gift. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by brother, Randy Dale Wilhoite, Sr.; uncles, Captain Jeff McCullough, Raymond Rhoton, Robert Wilhoite; aunt, Ginny Cunningham; grandparents, JD and Ezell McCullough and Granny Fannie Wilhoite. Left to cherish his memories are his mother, Della Faye Wilhoite; wife, Kerri Baxter Wilhoite; three children, Hannah Faye (Julian) Dean, Riley Cole (Shelby) Womack, Reagan O’Neal (Dylan) Womack/Passalacqua; two grandchildren, Dominic Dean and Maggie Womack; uncles, Danny (Sherry) McCullough, Robert McCullough, Marlin (Doris) McCullough, John (Beverly) McCullough, and Travis (Linda) McCullough; nieces, Brandi Marie (Hunter) Johnson and Erica Dale Wilhoite; nephew, Randy Dale (Sheel) Wilhoite Jr. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Holland Hill Cemetery in Manchester. Jake’s wife, Kerri, wished to express her sincere thanks to any friends who came to help and show so much love to Jake these last couple of years – you all made Jake happier with your phone calls, visits, and overall kindness.

Central Funeral Home