George Vernon Whyte 1925-2022

Funeral services for George Vernon Whyte, 96, of Quitman were held May 13, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Lowe-Gardner Funerals in Quitman with Calvin Evans officiating. Burial followed at the Rose Lawn Cemetery, Mineola. Vernon died Tuesday, May 10, 2022. He was born in Bristow, Okla. 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. 

He returned to Tyler, 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 was 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 and Alison Frank of Killeen; a long list of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins; and many dear friends. 

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

Honorary pallbearers are 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.