Albert Lee Wilhite

Hardship often prepares ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny. Albert Lee Wilhite, 74, and his destiny were both far from ordinary. Wilhite, HERO, Son, Marine, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Friend, died Monday, February 24, 2020 at home with his family, close friends and immense love at his side and his late wife Jeannie impatiently waiting on the other side. He was born the son of Grace Deloris Wilhite Gipson, the son of Louis Hoot Gipson, and was a 1963 graduate of Evansville North High School where he was in band, and a State Golf Champion, later inducted to the NHS Hall of Fame. This honor was not only for his athleticism, but also for his contributions as one of the founders of the NHS N-Men's Club, as well as docent and builder of the NHS Hall of Fame originally erected at the “old North,” now dismantled and on display at the current NHS building. Upon graduation, Wilhite joined the USMC. This young soldier was part of the 1st recruit training Battalion, Company C, Platoon 137 out of Paris Island. He proudly wore an expert shooting badge, and was deployed in 1964 as one of the first Special Forces' early teams as a Staff Sergeant to support the Vietnam mission and prepare for war. After discharge in 1967, Albert returned to his home town in Evansville, Indiana where he met his one and only true love, his “baby,” the late H. Jean Wilhite at the local bodega. Shortly thereafter, the two were married in March 1968 and began raising two sons, Scott (Mary) and Rodney (Paige) and later a daughter, Rachael. Al and Jean built a life on hard work, unconditional love and perseverance. Al worked as a brick mason owning his own residential and commercial company and soon became known as “the best brick layer in these parts” by many, while Jeannie was a stay at home Mom and ran the company finances. Wilhite was not a stranger to hard work (working two full time jobs until the 80s), countless Junior League football games, coaching baseball and or being a present father to his three “toeheads.” Later in life, Albert found time to pick up golf once again, enjoyed traveling with Jeannie and friends and became the bigger than life Papaw to six grandchildren; Alyssa Garris (Aaron), Melia Radford (Cody), Lyndsey Adamson , Andi Dillman (Ryan), Grace Warner Parks , and Ellis Ray Greene. After his wife's passing in 2006, Albert found peace in long walks upwards of 15 miles per day, golfing with buddies, and spending time with his family and with many great grandchildren; Aaron Garris, Jr , Atticus, Stella, Aurora, Penelope, and Elliott. He also enjoyed and shared with his kids and grandkids the love of all genres of music - it was a staple in his home and up until his last breath. Please join our family in a casual celebration of life for our HERO, Albert Lee Wilhite, on March 7th 2020 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Bethlehem United Church of Christ on Oak Hill Road. Albert was buried with full military honors and salute at a private graveside service previously attended by family only. In lieu of flowers, please honor our hero with donations to The National Foundation for Cancer Research, the local Veterans Administration or Wounded Warriors. Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com