G. Dale Whittington

Our beloved Gwyn Dale Whittington passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2015, surrounded by his family. Dale was born in the family home in Busy Corner, Mississippi (population 19) on July 18, 1930, the first child of Bonnie Mae and Henry Grady Whittington. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 50 years, Loretta and sister June McIntyre.

Dale graduated from Oxford High School, Southwest Mississippi Junior College and Mississippi College . He obtained his Doctor of Jurisprudence from The University of Mississippi and was a lifelong fan of Ole Miss. During his service in the U.S. Army was posted to Germany in 1954 and on his return he served in the U.S. Army Reserve until 1962. Dale moved to Houston in 1956 and was employed by Farmers Insurance Group as legal counsel, where he met his beautiful wife Loretta. His first law partnership, Mounger, Morrison and Whittington was formed in 1966 which eventually became Whittington, Pfeiffer and Vacek. Dale was a popular partner and was lovingly referred to as Mr. Whit. At an age of 67, when most people retire, he founded his last partnership and his loyal colleagues followed him.

He was proud of his sixty years as a practicing attorney. His experience, honesty, business acumen, and his Christian beliefs contributed to his success. A humble, fair and patient man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened. Dale was a country boy who loved to fish and hunt and together with Loretta explored the country roads less travelled. He had a real love of life and never complained about his illness, surviving cancer much longer than expected. We gratefully acknowledge his medical teams who treated him with the greatest care and respect.

Dale is survived by his daughters Kim Whittington, Ann Whittington and her partner Michael Tuohy, all of Houston, brother Jerry Whittington of Jackson, Mississippi, sister Peggy Coleman and husband Tom Coleman of Jackson, brother Lester Whittington and wife Arla of Jackson, sister-in laws Evelyn Skellie of Houston, Lillian Steffek of Needville, Texas and Alma Martin of Richmond, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.Dale was always there for his family and friends with love, understanding and generosity. Above all, Dad was a truly devoted husband and the best father that a girl could wish for.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 11 from 5:00p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Forest Park, 12800 Westheimer, Houston, Texas 77077. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church Chapel, 10221 Ella Lee Lane, Houston, Texas 77042. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to The University of Mississippi Foundation, 406 University Avenue, Oxford Mississippi 39655 or MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486 Houston, Texas 77210-4486 in the name of G. Dale Whittington.