Jerry Carl White, 79, of Beaumont, died Monday, December 20, 2010, at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas in Beaumont.

Jerry was born in Beaumont’s Hotel Dieu to Thenoba Gwendolyn Boyett White and Jacob Carl White on May 8, 1931.  He graduated from South Park High School, and was vice-president of the first full four-year class at Lamar College of Technology. 

Jerry married the former Norma Ruth Plettman on September 8, 1963.  He loved learning and was always tinkering and asking questions, often to the confoundment of those he questioned.  Jerry had a passion for travel, and he and Norma were always looking forward to their next adventure.

He was President Emeritus of White Tire Supply, having worked there from 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 Dealers and Retreaters Association.  He received numerous awards, including the very first Lifetime Achievement Award from the Texas Tire Dealers Association, and was just inducted into the Tire Industry Association’s Hall of Fame.  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, Norma Plettman White of Beaumont; two sons, Joe Carl White and his wife Anne and David Bruce White and his wife Lauren, grandchildren, Kate White and Rebekah White all of Houston; brother, Walter White of Austin; and sister, Gwen Kunz of Houston.

His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 22, 2010, at First Christian Church, 5290 North Caldwood Drive, Beaumont, with entombment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, under the direction of Broussard's, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. A gathering of his family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 21, 2010, at Broussard's.

Memorial contributions may be made to Some Other Place, P.O. Box 843, Beaumont, Texas 77704 www.sopbmt.org.