George W. Whiddon, Jr.

George W. Whiddon, Jr. February 15, 1923 May 7, 2012 George W. Whiddon, Jr., a lifelong resident of Prairie Hill, passed away of pneumonia on Monday, May, 7, 2012 at the age of 89. He had endured a great many ailments over the years, always with optimism and determination. Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 10, at Prairie Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Fred Sain officiating. Burial will follow at Prairie Hill Cemetery on F.M. Road 339 North. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, May 9, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey of Waco, Texas. George was born on February 15, 1923, in Prairie Hill, TX, the youngest child and only son of George and Edna Whiddon. George did well in school, although he much preferred hunting rabbits and reading books to actually attending classes. He entered Baylor in 1941 as a journalism major and left-handed pitcher for the Baylor Baseball Team. Drafted in 1943, he served as an Army Staff Sergeant for 3 years with the 282nd Field Artillery Battalion in the European Campaign, the members of which he enjoyed close contact with over the years. After the war, he returned to Prairie Hill and married Janelle Murphy in 1949. They enjoyed 62 wonderful years together, raising two children. George worked for General Tire and Rubber where he retired after 30 years. His love for the land kept him farming and raising cattle for over 50 years. He took great pride in being a deacon in the Prairie Hill Baptist Church, and diligently taught Sunday school until his death. George loved to fish, and he was a member of the Jack Sparks Central Texas Flyrodders. Left to his own devices, he was never bored and had a wide range of curiosity about the natural world. He saw beauty everywhere, and tried to find the good in every person. George is survived by his wife, Janelle; his son Michael Whiddon and wife, Elizabeth; his daughter, Christine George and husband, Greg; a sister, Vivian Freedman; and many nephews and cousins. The Family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the doctors and nurses associated with Fresenius Kidney Center, Providence Hospital and Scott and White Hospital for the excellent care they provided George over the years. Memorials may be made in his memory to the Prairie Hill Baptist Church or to the Prairie Hill Cemetery Association. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.