Mr. Lee R. "Ray" Whitaker passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, in St, James Healthcare.  Ray was born on March 12, 1949 in Richlands, Virginia, the son of Rufus and Lucille (Webb) Whitaker.

Ray graduated from Butte High School.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army.  For many years, Ray was employed by the ACM (Anaconda Copper Mining Company)  Following suspension of operations in Butte by the ACM,  he relocated to Salt Lake City, where he worked for Sky West Airlines.  He moved back to Butte when he became employed by Montana Resources, where he worked until his retirement.

In 1971, he married Elizabeth J. "Bets" Gately.  They later divorced, but remained close friends.  His friend and partner in crime was Bets brother, Denny Gately, whom they always joked Ray got in the divorce,

Ray was preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Chad Preston; his grandson, Bryce Whitaker; his brother, Rufus Whitaker; his nieces and nephews, Lacie and Skylar Willard, and Brandon and Katie Whitaker, and their families; and his best pal, Denny Gately.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday at 1:00 PM in Sunset Memorial Gardens. located at Crackerville near Fairmont Hotsprings.