In Memoriam: Bill Whittaker

	Bill Whittaker. Photo: Courtesy of https://sellarsfuneralservices.com/tribute/details/13249/William-Whittaker/obituary.html#tribute-start

William John "Bill" Whittaker, owner of Nashville area-based Upstate Case Manufacturing, died on February 26. He was 57.

Whittaker began his career as a business owner of Rainbow Lighting Company; he later went on to be a lighting technician, working with numerous touring artists. He also played a role in the Woodstock Festival of 1999 as a member of the stage setup crew. In 1991, he established Upstate Case, creating custom designs for each client. He also developed the Flylite brand, specifically designed for stage equipment.

In 2014, Whittaker moved his business to Mount Juliet, Tennessee. He was known for his love of jazz music and was also an avid model train enthusiast, and he spent countless hours working on his collection.

Whittaker was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Whittaker, and Elizabeth Van Pelt; his brother, Robert G. Whittaker; his previous fiancé, Katy White; and his grandparents. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Melanie Whittaker; his sisters, Bonnie (Al) Mooney from Virginia and Barbara (Micheal) Sharpe of Utica, New York; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Nashville Steam Preservation Society Inc. www.nashvillesteam.org/donate/.