Our hero, Alvin Vernon Whaley, peacefully departed this world on March 26, 2022in Denton, Texas. Alvin was born on his family farm near Bonham in Fannin County, Texas to Napoleon James ("Jack") Whaley and Lucille Bridges Whaley. He enjoyed being with the love of his life, Charlotte, Tuesday lunches with his lifelong friends, time spent with his family, fishing, March Madness, the Dallas Cowboys, a cold beer or an evening night cap, and crossword puzzles.

Alvin worked in cotton fields by age 6 and as a roughneck on a drilling rig at the age of 13. He held four jobs at one time as a mail courier, a server, a bus driver and an RA for his dormitory while he was completing his Master's of Science in Education at UTEP on a football scholarship. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean war before he met Charlotte in Odessa, Texas at the age of 28 and the two wed in 1961. Together, they raised three cherished children who he was deeply devoted to. Alvin coached basketball in Odessa at Ector High School. He was then awarded the position of head coach at Cupertino High School in California before moving back to Texas. Alvin spent over 10 years as an administrator in San Angelo before transferring to Denton High School to proudly hold the title of principal from 1972-1977. He and Charlotte invested in real estate and made a career as homebuilders until he became a successful business owner in the automotive industry.

Wise beyond comprehension and patient to no end, Alvin (or "Papa"), could find a solution to any problem. He exemplified everything great in this world. Reaching 6 feet tall and weighing 200lbs at the age of 12, Alvin left behind monumental shoes to fill. He was noble and trustworthy, and a friend to all. He was kind, gentle, careful, intelligent, calm, joyful, loving, and pragmatic, and he will be so deeply missed by those who were gifted the treasure of knowing him. Alvin is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Charlotte Whaley; son, John Alvin Whaley; daughters, Deborah Deane Buddrus and husband, Lee Edward Buddrus, Marque Mathis and husband, William Lloyd ("Bill") Mathis III; grandchildren, Desiree Sarah Luna, Julie Elizabeth Charlotte Buddrus Brummett, Jessica Jentry Buddrus Walker, Allison Maurine Whaley, Cole Alexander Whaley, William Lloyd ("Will") Mathis IV; fourteen great grandchildren; and countless adoring family members and friends.

A funeral service will be held at DeBerry Funeral Directors, 2025 W. University in Denton at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 2, 2022. A celebration of life will immediately follow at South Lakes Park, 556 Hobson Lane in Denton.

Donations in Alvin's honor can be made to Veteran's Affairs or Shriner's International.