Former Charlotte County Public Schools Superintendent Doug Whittaker was a recipient of a Legacy Award. He died on Sept. 9 at the age of 77.
SUN PHOTO BY ADAM KREGER
PORT CHARLOTTE — Douglas Whittaker, a former superintendent of schools for Charlotte County Public Schools, died Sept. 9 due to complications with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a nervous system disease, in Tennessee.
Whittaker was born on July 14, 1994, in Westfield, New Jersey. He started his Florida career as a kindergarten teacher before working his way up to superintendent. In Charlotte County, he led the district from 2010 to 2015.
Robert Bedford, current assistant superintendent for learning at CCPS, said Whittaker was an accessible mentor when Bedford first started his career as an administrator.
“He made everyone available, gave open access to everyone in his cabinet and never rejected someone reaching out for information,” Bedford said. “Other school districts don’t work that way. He was very helpful.”
Bedford said Whittaker joined the board during difficult budget cuts.
“He helped us understand how we could do more with less,” Bedford said. “He did a really good job of making certain that school staff knew they were important and made the schools what they are, not the board.”
“As a district and a board, we send our deepest sympathies to the family,” Bedford said.
Shawn Gilstad, founder of Charlotte County Imagination Library, an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, said Whittaker helped launch the organization.
“He was interested in helping because of the literacy rates in the county and across Florida,” Gilstad said. “He really helped make my dream come true.”
As superintendent, Whittaker met with Christine Zimmer, the former CEO of the local Imagination Library, to help organize, raise funds and spread the word.
“On the heels of Dolly, I’m devastated,” Gilstad said. “I don’t know how much more my heart can take.”
Zimmer said Whittaker created a partnership with the school system to support the library.
“He understood the value of early literacy skills for children and how important it was,” Zimmer said.
According to the family’s obituary, Whittaker served in the Florida education system for 42 years. Before leading the Charlotte County Public Schools, Whittaker served for years as an assistant superintendent in Lee County.
After retiring as superintendent, Whittaker and his wife Sue moved to Signal Mountain, Tennessee. He served as a consultant for the International Center for Leadership in Education and a coach for the National Institute for School Leadership.
Jessica Torres, Whittaker’s eldest daughter, said he was a very patient father.
“He never contacted us in anger,” Torres said. “He always had a loving demeanor.”
Torres said Whittaker loved to travel and spend time with his family.
“He loved the beach,” Torres said. “He was always one to boogie board or body surf with us.”
Torres said he surprised the family with a trip to the Galapagos Islands.
Whittaker was diagnosed with ALS in June, 2025.
“I know the last year was really hard for him because he used to be so active,” Torres said. “ALS took effect on his mobility and that bothered him.”
Whittaker could not speak or move the last few days of his life.
“Knowing that he is in heaven, healed, and doing whatever he wants without constraints makes my heart happy, but I do miss him,” Torres said.
Whittaker is survived by his wife, Susan; his daughters Jessica Torres and Angela Yaeger; seven grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
A celebration of life will take place at 10 a.m. Oct. 17 at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, 612 James Blvd, Signal Mountain, Tennessee. The family requests donations be sent to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.