Don Raymond Whitley

Don Raymond Whitley, 81, played his last hand here on Earth and passed the deal on April 30th, 2020. He was born on September 16th, 1938 to James Decker and Chessie Ola Whitley in Lubbock County, Texas. He grew up on a farm near Smyer, Texas and graduated from Smyer High School in 1957. He played football and basketball. He participated in FFA and received the award of Lone Star Farmer. He also attended Draughn’s Business College and the “School of Hard Knocks”.

Don married Nancy Sue Williams on November 23rd 1960, residing on a farm near Smyer until 1973 when they moved to Lubbock. They spent over 55 years together before her passing in 2016.

He loved to make a wager on just about anything including poker, gin, a presidential election, a horse race, or which bird will fly from a highline wire first. He was very good at leg wrestling and loved to tell the stories about all the matchups he had been in.

Don was initiated and raised to the degree of Master Mason in 1974. He was a member of the Scottish Rite and Khiva Shrine where he participated in the Motor Escort and Muleskinners units.

When Sue retired they travelled all over the USA and even up to Alaska and back through Canada. Many memories were made for them during those trips and everyone loved to hear about places they had been and what they had gotten in to.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Clifford, Virgil and Bob. He is survived by son Clay Whitley and wife Lynetta, grandsons Jackson and Hayden Whitley, all of Lubbock; son Brad Whitley, and granddaughter Hailey Whitley, both of Lubbock.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Shriner’s Hospitals For Children, or a favorite charity are appreciated.