Bryan Valton Whitfield Jr.

Bryan Valton Whitfield Jr., age 73, a resident of Haltom City, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 10, 2022 in North Richland Hills, Texas after a difficult battle with esophageal cancer. A man of great Christian faith, he left this world knowing he would be reunited with loved ones in the afterlife.

Valton was born on October 20, 1948, in Gorman, Texas to Bryan Valton Whitfield and Eudell Whitfield. He was raised in Abilene and Dublin, Texas. Family and friends from his youth remember him having adventures and riding horseback with cousins in the farm fields of Dublin, playing drums with his band “United Chili Incorporated” in school auditoriums across Abilene, and driving wildly as friends were flung around the backseat of his Desoto.

When he was 15, he met a lovely, strong, young lady named Ruth Steele, and his course was set. In their 58 years together (5 years “going steady” and 53 years married) they shared countless adventures. Valton and Ruth graduated from Abilene High School, were married on November 22, 1969, and then Ruth worked as a hair dresser while Valton worked toward his degree from McMurry University in Abilene (the first in his family to attend university).

Valton dedicated his life to his family. In well-balanced partnership with his wife Ruth, he raised two sons (Clint and Jeff), and inspired them both into public service and successful professional lives. He attended countless events for his sons, and later for his grandson (Knox), always encouraging them to be kind to everyone, dream big, and never give up. His hospitality and sense of humor were legendary. These qualities brought comfort to family, friends, and colleagues with whom he worked in manufacturing at Aileen’s Textiles, Ben Hogan Golf Equipment, Perma Products Office Supplies, and Murco Wall Products.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth, his sons, Clint and Jeff, his daughter-in-law, Shelly, his grandson, Knox, and many extended family and friends whom he loved, and by whom he was loved, deeply.

A graveside celebration of his life will be held at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Texas on September 15, 2022 at 9:00 am.

Instead of flowers, if you are able and choose to do so, please consider a donation to a children’s charity (like Cook Children, St. Jude Children, or similar) or a veteran’s charity (like Fisher House, Wounded Warrior Family Support, or similar). To leave an online condolence for the family, or for more details on the services, please visit the website BluebonnetHills.com.