Johns Creek Police Officer Dies After Brief Illness

Corporal Greg Whitaker, an inaugural member of the Johns Creek Police Department, died suddenly on March 2 following a short illness.

“The JCPD has lost an outstanding police officer,” said Police Chief Ed Densmore in a news release. “Greg Whitaker did his job professionally, had great rapport with his fellow officers and the community, and he never, never complained.  He left us way too soon.”

The Greg Whitaker Memorial Golf Tournament, “Guns and Hoses,” has been set for March 28 at in Johns Creek. According to Rosemary Taylor, communications manager for the city, Whitaker's friends in the police and fire departments started organizing the tournament to help with his unforeseen medical expenses. When Whitaker passed away on March 2, the tournament became a memorial that the departments hope to hold every year.

A 23-year veteran of law enforcement, Whitaker, 47, served in Uniform Patrol and was promoted from officer to corporal in January 2010.  Prior to joining the JCPD in 2008, he served with the Fulton County Police Department, Cobb County Police, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the University of Georgia Police Department.

A native of Watkinsville, Whitaker earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Georgia.  He is survived by his wife, Becky, and two children. 

Visitation will be Friday, March 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lord and Stephens Funeral Home at 1211 Jimmy Daniels Road, Bogart.

The funeral will be Saturday, March 5, at 11 a.m. at Briarwood Baptist Church, 1900 Robin Hood Road, Watkinsville.

A memorial fund in Whitaker's name has been established at United Community Bank. 

For more information on entering the tournament, click on the pdf entry form accompanying this story.