John Paul Whitaker’s love for Newberry College isn’t an acquired taste; he was born with it. A second-generation Wolf – or Indian, as it were – John Paul has been attending Newberry College athletic events since he was a small child. After graduating from Newberry HS in 1970, there wasn’t a doubt in his mind where to attend college. He would go to the school that both of his parents, both sisters and brothers-in-law, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins attended: Newberry College.
Since graduating from Newberry in 1974, John Paul decided to stay close to home and work with his father at Whitaker Floor Coverings, Inc., which his father started in 1947. He eventually took over as President as his father grew older and took a less active role in the business. Not only did he stay close to home, after he married the former Cynthia Brown in 1970, they purchased the house next door to his parents on Main Street and began raising their three daughters: Elizabeth Capps, Laura Mangum and Mary Frances Whitaker.
Throughout the years, John Paul has actively supported Newberry College through giving his time, money and support. He loves the small school family atmosphere and this love for the college has translated into numerous gifts for the college. He provides meals for various athletic teams, faculty and staff. As owner of Whitaker Floor Coverings, Inc., John Paul has made many donations to upgrade the College’s facilities.
John Paul has served in several capacities at the College. He is a member of the Newberry College Athletic Club Board, member of the President’s Club Board, served on the committee that organized the 150th Year celebration of Newberry College and served on the Board of Visitors. He has also served on multiple search committees for coaches and has been instrumental in securing several coaches for the College. As a reward for his efforts and contributions, the College honored him as Sesquicentennial Medallion Recipient.
John Paul is also very active in the Newberry community. As a lifelong member of Central United Methodist Church, he has held several offices throughout the years such as Treasurer, member of the finance committee, on the Board of Trustees and President of the United Methodist Men’s Group. He has also been named Lay Person of the Year by the United Methodist Women in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the church.
John Paul is also a member of the Newberry Rotary Club and YMCA Board. He was instrumental in securing the funds to build the new YMCA gymnasium. The gymnasium was named in part for him, along with two other men.
The Newberry Exchange club presented him with the Book of Golden Deeds in recognition of his good works behind the scenes.
It would be hard to find a person to whom the saying “Newberry born and Newberry bred and when I die I’ll be Newberry dead” applies better. It’s almost as if it were written for him.
