George Vernon Whyte

Funeral services for George Vernon Whyte, age 96, Quitman, Texas are scheduled for May 13, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Lowe-Gardner Funerals in Quitman, Texas with Calvin Evans, officiating.  Burial will immediately follow at the Rose Lawn Cemetery, Mineola, Texas. Vernon died Tuesday, May 10, 2022. Born in Bristow, Oklahoma on October 21, 1925 to Grace and Raymond Whyte, he went on to play football for LSU in 1943-44. All who knew him know his proudest moment was when his team won the Orange Bowl against Texas A&M in January 1944!

Vernon served in the US Navy as a Coxswain during World War II, fighting in the Battle of Okinawa. The soft spoken gentle giant was the light weight boxing champion of the fleet while serving on the USS Grafton. After the war, Vernon was recruited by USC to play football but his career was cut short due to an injury during the first year.

Afterwards, he returned to Tyler, Texas, settling into the oilfield business until he retired.  He enjoyed golfing, yard work and helping the Baptist Builders at Lake Fork Baptist Church. Vernon never met a stranger, was always quick with a smile and a warm greeting.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend.  He is preceded in death by his adoring wife Shirley, parents Raymond and Grace Whyte, brother Sonny Whyte (KIA in WWII), sisters Dorothy Snipes and Ramona McKeith, son Thomas Whyte, and daughter Nancy Croson.

Vernon is survived by his loving daughters Rebecca Hamblett of Quitman, TX, and Alison Frank of Killeen, TX; a long list of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

Pallbearers will include Robert Linker, Ray Black, J.R. Wright, Mike Brown and Roger Cox.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Troy Croson, Dana Croson, Jeff Croson, Eric Croson, Brandon Travers, Clay Hamblett, Chad Hamblett, Greg Frank, Mike Croson, Jeremy Whyte, Dusty Tillery and Bill Stone.