Jerry White, the man in the iconic all-white outfits, died unexpectedly Dec. 20 at his home in Beaumont, Texas. He was 79, and chairman emeritus of White Tire Supply.
White was much more than a sharp white shirt and shorts, he was a tire dealer’s tire dealer, and was recognized for his contributions to the industry with his recent induction into the Tire Industry Hall of Fame.
White spend 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.
He was born May 8, 1931, to Thenoba Gwen Boyett White and Jacob Carl White; and has been a resident of the Beaumont area for many years. He started working at White Tire Supply when he was 11.
White leaves wife Norma, sons Joe and David, two grandchildren, brother Walter, and sister, Gwen Kunz.
His funeral service will be Dec. 22 at First Christian Church in Beaumont, with burial at Magnolia Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Some Other Place, P.O. Box 843, Beaumont, Texas 77704.
