Jerry Carl White, chairman emeritus of White Tire Supply in Beaumont, Texas, died on Dec. 20, 2010. He was 79.
As reported on Dec. 20 (see "Hall of Famer Jerry White dies suddenly"), White was a founding member of the Texas Tire Dealers Association (TTDA), and had served on numerous industry boards, including the board of the old National Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association (NTDRA). He was named TTDA Tire Dealer of the Year in 2002.
White was inducted into the Tire Industry Hall of Fame earlier this year.
Here are some edited excerpts from his obituary, posted on the Broussard's Mortuary Web site.
He was born May 8, 1931, in Beaumont’s Hotel Dieu to Thenoba Gwen Boyett White and Jacob Carl White. He graduated from South Park High School, and was vice-president of the first full four-year class at Lamar College of Technology.
Jerry married the former Norma Ruth Plettman on Sept. 8, 1963. He loved learning and was always tinkering and asking questions, often to the confoundment of those he questioned. Jerry had a passion for travel, and he and Norma were always looking forward to their next adventure.
He worked at White Tire Supply from the age of eleven. Jerry served on the board of directors of the Texas Tire Dealers Association, the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence, and the National Tire Dealers and Retreaters Association. He was an active member of the Beaumont Rotary Club and was a Sunday school teacher and Elder at First Christian Church.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Norma; two sons, Joe Carl White and his wife, Anne, and David Bruce White and his wife, Lauren; two grandchildren, Kate White (Joe and Anne) and Rebekah White (David and Lauren); a brother, Walter White of Austin; and a sister, Gwen Kunz of Houston.
His funeral service will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, at First Christian Church, 5290 North Caldwood Dr., Beaumont, with entombmant to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, under the direction of Broussard's, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont.
A gathering of his family and friends was held on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010, at Broussard's.
Memorial contributions may be made to Some Other Place, P.O. Box 843, Beaumont, Texas 77704.
