Florala main Max Whittaker passes away at age 58.

Florala High School Principal Max Whittaker passed away unexpectedly from medical problems on Monday, February. 19. He was 58.

The native to New Brockton, Whittaker was named principal of FHS in February of 2016. He was the previous head for Slocomb High School and Geneva County High School. The assistant principal Carie Turman will be the interim principal of the school until a successor is identified.

“We are devastated by the sudden loss of the principal Whitaker. He was a great teacher. Whitaker was an excellent administrator who was a fan of Florala High School,” Covington County Schools Superintendent Shannon Driver stated. “He loved his students and wanted to offer the best possible opportunities for students. His staff was extremely respectful for him. He was a tough and demanding teacher of his students. However, he believed that having fun was the key to enjoying in the process. He certainly was a positive influence in Florala High School as well as in the local community. He will be missed greatly.”

Whittaker was a student at Enterprise State Junior College and obtained his bachelor’s as well as master’s degree in social Science and Education at Troy University. He received his certificate as an Educational Leadership and Administration from Alabama State University. He was a coach and teacher of soccer at Pike County Schools and Enterprise City Schools between 1990 and 2001. Then he moved back to Geneva County Schools in 2002 which he taught for 14 years, before becoming the head coach the school at Florala High School.

“Mr. Whittaker was the greatest. God placed me in Florala for me to gain knowledge from Whittaker. He was loved by all and caring, but also difficult and tough when necessary. He was able to manage the school effectively. He was able to keep the momentum moving to the proper direction and we’re going to continue to keep it up. All of us want to do him proud. He will be deeply miss by all his Florala loved ones,” Turman said.

Many staff members and faculty members also were interviewed of his personality and contribution towards the institution. One of them was working alongside the Agriscience class on a beautification project for the front of the building where an irrigation system as well as Bermuda sod were put in place in 2021.

Secretary Jamie Jackson said she was happy to be working under his direction.

“To be a friend of him was to be in love with him. He was a great boss. Whittaker was the best boss. He was supportive of his faculty and staff and loved his students and was a huge fan of Florala High School. He was a devoted father and was happy for each of them. We cherish him and will miss him deeply,” Jackson said.

Teacher of math Brianna Leitschuck stated that Whittaker was an ideal candidate for FHS.

“I’ve been a resident of Florala throughout my life, and I graduated from Florala High School,” Leitschuck said. “He was so dedicated to create FHS an improved school. Then he took me in his arms and helped me how to become an educator I’m today. The majority of us didn’t lose a manager, but a loved family member, companion, and mentor.”

Nurse Cheybrel Coleman felt that he led by example and described him as a crucial member in her Wildcat family.

“Mr. Whittaker was not only an incredible boss, he was family. He put in the effort and was a complete person and wanted to receive the same level of service from us. In the end, he wanted to provide the best for the students at Florala High School. He was always interacting with every child. He was extremely attentive and truly gave his entire heart. He had a huge impact on the campus and we will surely be greatly missed,” Coleman said.

English instructor Hope Hunt referred to Whittaker as the school’s “fearless leader.”

“Mr. Whittaker loved us all the students he taught and this entire community. He was always there for us and treated us like family. He was a fantastic boss and was a fantastic teacher and friend. We ask that you keep everyone by your thoughts and prayers particularly his family members,” Hunt said.

The head baseball coach Tyler Zessin said his team will honor his memory throughout the season.

“Mr. Whittaker enjoyed Florala High School, our students, and the entire community. I will forever be grateful to him for the opportunity to coach under his guidance and direction and he always had me at my side,” Zessin said. “At matches, he made sure that we were wearing an American flag raised prior to every home game. He also was seated in his regular spot on the right side of the field. The chair will be in right field throughout the 2023 season and we will mourn him greatly.”

Director of the band Patrick Whitehurst credited Whittaker with helping to build the school’s program for band.

“Mr. Whittaker was hands down the most effective director and boss I’ve ever been fortunate enough to work with. He was a man of gold and cherished all faculty and students on campus. He was the most enthusiastic fan for my students in the band, and gave us to show off our amazing student musicians. Thanks to him, that I’m where I am today.”

Whittaker helped staff and students by regularly attending sports and competitions. Alivia Laird, a 2018 FHS alumni, praised Whittaker’s leadership.

“Mr. Whittaker was an outstanding director,” Laird said. “He always put each student’s needs first. He was always at every game , no matter how far they were. He was genuinely concerned for Florala High School and its students. He’ll certainly be missed by a lot of people. There was always a smile for the students even years after graduating. He transformed Florala to a better place, and I’m forever a Wildcat.”

For 2021’s alumni Rashaad Coleman Whittaker did more than just a teacher.

“He often came to check on me when I completed my studies. We’ve had discussions that no one is aware of and he’s always been there for me returning to school and even after. I’ll miss hearing him chatting with the boys at basketball games. The one thing you cannot deny is his passion for his school and community. He will be missed greatly,” Coleman said.

Senior Christian Greasham appreciated his kind manner towards his students. “He was the most wonderful principal. He was a good friend to the students and made us feel as his own family members,” Greasham said.

Whittaker was born on Feb. 21st, 1964 to Travis Whittaker and Betty Whittaker and was a 1982 graduated from New Brockton High School. He was married for thirty-three years Tracy Whittaker, who has three kids: Sawyer (Bethany), Grady, Scout, and one grandchild, Lucy.

Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, February. 21 between 2 and 3 p.m. The service will be held at 2 p.m. from Sorrells Funeral Home Chapel in Enterprise. The visitation will begin at around 12:30 p.m. and will continue until the time of the service. The burial will take place in the New Brockton City Cemetery.

The article Florala director Max Whittaker passes away at age 58 was originally published in The Andalusia Star-News.