In Memoriam, Jerry White
The TTDA family was sadden with the recent passing of a
friend and long time member Jerry White.
Jerry White, the man in the iconic all-white outfits, died
unexpectedly Dec. 20 at his home in Beaumont,Texas. He
was 79, and was Chairman Emeritus of White Tire Supply in
Beaumont. He was born May 8, 1931, in Beaumont’s Hotel
Dieu to Thenoba Gwen Boyett White and Jacob Carl White.
He graduated from South Park High School, and was vicepresident
of the first full four-year class at Lamar College of
Technology. Jerry married the former Norma Ruth Plettman
on Sept. 8, 1963. Jerry was known for his inquisitive mind
always wanting to know more about everything “tires”.
However his questioning did not stop with the tire industry.
Jerry had a passion for travel, and he and Norma were always
looking forward to their next adventure.
He worked at White Tire Supply beginning at the age
of eleven. Jerry served on the Board of Directors of the
Texas Tire Dealers Association, the National Institute of
Automotive Service Excellence, and the National Tire Dealersand Retreaters Association. He was an active member of the
Beaumont Rotary Club and was a Sunday school teacher and
Elder at First Christian Church. White spent 60 years in
the tire industry, building his business while helping other
dealers grow through his efforts with the Texas Tire Dealers
Association, which he helped create, and the Tire Industry
Association and its predecessors.
Jerry received numerous awards and recognitions including
the first Lifetime Achievement Award from TTDA in 2006.
TTDA also recognized Jerry in 2002 as the Texas Tire Dealer
of the Year. In November 2010 Jerry was inducted vinto the
Tire Industry Association’s Hall of Fame.
Jerry and Norma have been strong supporters of the
TTDA Scholarship Program helping many tire dealer family
members attend college. Jerry was an active member of the
Beaumont Rotary Club and was a Sunday School teacher and
Elder at First Christian Church.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Norma; two
sons, Joe Carl White and his wife, Anne, and David Bruce
White and his wife, Lauren; two grandchildren, Kate White
(Joe and Anne) and Rebekah White (David and Lauren); a
brother, Walter White of Austin; and a sister, Gwen Kunz of
Houston.
Memorial contributions may be made to Some Other
Place, Box 843, Beaumont, Texas 77704.
Jerry White Named to Hall of Fame
The Tire Industry Association recently announced that
TTDA member Jerry White has been named to the National
Tire Industry Hall of Fame.
With a proud career in the tire industry that spans over 60
years, Jerry White has established an outstanding reputation
among tire dealers and customers. Jerry has been a leader and
innovator in the tire industry always wanting to learn more and
very willing to share his knowledge in simple conversations or
in more detailed workshops. In fact, sporting his “white” attire,
Jerry provided an early and fun example of “branding” before
anyone else was talking about the idea.
Jerry White has served on many auto/tire related Boards
both on the national and state levels including the Board
and Executive Committee of NTDRA. Jerry was a founding
Board Member of the Texas Tire Dealers Association and has
supported TIA and TTDA for many years. His support goes
far beyond serving on Boards; volunteering for workshops
and attending meetings. His extensive support of the TTDA
Scholarship Program has provided the leadership and financial
support to encourage his colleagues to follow his example.With his example TTDA has been able to assist many young
people in their higher education pursuits.
Jerry has been honored by many for his commitment to
the tire industry including receiving the 2002 Tire Dealer of
the Year Award. In 2006 Jerry was awarded the first Lifetime
Achievement Award from the Texas Tire Dealers Association.
Jerry will be recognized at ceremonies during the Annual
SEMA Convention on November 1st in Las Vegas.
