Henry Whittlesey Jr.

Henry Adolphus Whittlesey, Jr., husband, daddy, PaPa and Coach passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, in San Augustine, Texas at the age 90 years.  Joe & Leslie were with him a few hours before he entered the pearly gates. Kim, our younger sister, who died in 1978, at the age of 8, we know was waiting with open arms.

Coach was born on August 24, 1934, in Port Neches, Texas to Henry Adolphus Whittlesey, Sr., and Wilma Harris. Henry grew up in the community of Geneva, Texas on a farm with many aunts & uncles. He attended school in Center, Texas, graduating in 1951. He then attended SFASU in Nacogdoches where he participated in many intramural sports. He earned his bachelor’s and master's degree in education and history. He also served his country in the Army.

He met our dear mother in 1960, and after a short courtship, they were married on August 25, 1962. Mary was finishing up her master's degree and they soon began to start a family. Coach began his teaching and coaching career in Tenaha, Texas, where they lived about 5 years. In 1969 they moved to the community of San Augustine, where they still resided. The family continued to grow with 2 daughters, Leslie & Kim, and son Joe. Coach Whittlesey settled in coaching football, golf, tennis and head basketball coach and teaching History. Mrs. Whittlesey was teaching English, Journalism & cheer sponsor. The students of SA quickly became attached to the Whittlesey family. They joined several other coaching families that became all one big family.

Coach Whittlesey is survived by his daughter Leslie Nichols and husband Terry of Nacogdoches, son Joe Whittlesey, and wife Jennifer of Center. Grandchildren are Aaron & Megan Nichols of Garrison, Carsen & Wil McFarland of Nacogdoches, Dylan & Chloe Whittlesey of Center, Andrew & Madison Nichols of Katy, Lexie Nichols of Nacogdoches and Mary-Grace Whittlesey of Center. Two great grandchildren Dawson Nichols & Mason Nichols of Garrison.

He was predeceased by his mother & father, Henry Whittlesey Sr., and Wilma Stinson and brother, Joe Whittlesey, his wife Mary Whittlesey and daughter Kim Whittlesey.

Coach loved just about any sport he could watch in person or on TV. He attended the high school basketball state tournament in Austin for 50 years with a group of about 10-12 men, but he had a special place in his heart for his team of 1973, who won the state basketball championship under his coaching and leadership. He loved playing dominos for years with a group of friends weekly. He enjoyed fishing and playing golf in his spare time. He was a devoted husband and father who believed in, spare the rod, spoil the child. He was tough on the outside and we were expected to behave, but he forgot & forgave quickly, and didn’t hold a grudge. He always told us he loved us every day and expected a phone call when we were older and arrived at our destination. He loved big and were blessed to call him daddy.  He enjoyed spending time with his grands, playing pool, and maybe giving them lots of instructions on any other sport or game they were playing.

Coach Whittlesey’s visitation will be Sunday, April 6th, 5-8 pm at Wyman Roberts in San Augustine. His celebration of life will be Monday, April 7th at 11 am at Wyman Roberts.

In lieu of flowers, we have set up a scholarship for our parents, education and athletics were very important to them both.  SAISD, Attn:  Business Office, 1002 Barrett Street, San Augustine, Texas 75972.  Make checks payable to SAISD, Memo - Memorial Scholarship, Coach & Mrs. Whittlesey. 

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