double stone with Effie

One of Texas County's best known and oldest residents, George Marion Willhite, 86, died suddenly Jan. 5 at the Texas County Memorial Hospital. His death ended a long career as merchant and peace officer. He was a life-long resident of Texas County. The son of John and Martha Ann Willhite, he was born March 16, 1880, at Yukon where his father was in the mercantile business. After attending schools here, he joined his father in the family business at Yukon. Becoming i n t e r e s t e d in politics, Mr. Willhite was a successful candidate for the office of constable in 1904 and was re-elected until the office was discontinued. After that he was appointed deputy sheriff under Aaron Wood and served under several sheriffs. In 1941, Mr. Willhite and his family moved to Raymondville where he operated a drug store until his retirement. Both Mr. and Mrs. Willhite were in ill health and their daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Frank (Claudia) A l d r i d g e moved to the Raymondville home to care for them. Mrs. Willhite died in 1961.
Mr. and Mrs. Willhite were united in marriage at the Union Chapel Church near Eunice Dec. 24, 1903. She was the former Effie Walling. Mr. Willhite was a member of both the Masonic Lodge and L O. O. F. in Houston. Members of those fraternal organizations served as pallbearers. In addition to the daughter of the home, he is survived by another daughter, Mrs. Laveta Schuette, St. Louis; a son, John of Springfield, four grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Sunday, Jan. 8 at the R a y m o n d v i l l e Methodist Church with Mrs. Sadie Miles and the Rev. Henry Higby officiating. Burial was in Big Creek Cemetery under direction of Evans-Elliott.
From the Houston Herald