Johnny W. Whitley

1952 - 2023

Johnny W. Whitley
02/29/1952 - 11/29/2023
Johnny Wayne Whitley passed away November 29, 2023 unexpectedly at his home with his wife, Tesa by his side. Johnny was born in Odessa, Texas February 29, 1952 along with his twin sister Vicki. Being a twin and a leap year baby, Johnny reveled at being the oldest and the youngest with a birthday only every 4 years.
Johnny graduated from Odessa High School in 1970 where he excelled in track. He attended Lamar Tech in Beaumont on a track scholarship and continued his education at Southwest Texas State and Odessa College.
During his growing years, he spent many a summer at the Father's farm in Pearsall, Texas. There with his brothers and sisters, they built many a fence and cattle pens. Johnny was not afraid of hard work. One summer he drew up the plans for cattle pens. His Dad bought the materials and along with his brother Jimmy built cattle pens and corrals all in ten days. When his Dad's home burned in early 2000, Johnny came equipped with tools in hand and completely tore out all the debris single handedly.
Johnny met his loving partner, Tesa in 1991 and began an adventure of creating, developing and managing real estate projects all over Texas. They were married April 5, 1997. Tesa followed her "Mountain Man" anywhere he wanted to go and was by his side every day moving on to new adventures. They were as one.
Johnny began his career in designing , constructing and building homes. His company Whitley Homes, built over 100 homes in the Midland/ Odessa area for over 30 years. His last residential development was a 69 lots residential development in Green Tree North. Prominent Bent Tree Estates and exclusive private area " The Greens". Johnny never built the same home twice. He drew his own plans by hand, no computer generated drawings. His perfection was instrumental in his construction at every level. In 2002, he completed his Midland development and decided his new adventure with Tesa , would be investing and developing ranches. He began his projects in Coleman County and successfully moved his projects to over 17 counties in Texas. He did all the land development work himself. He took pride in completing these projects himself.
Johnny was preceded in death by his Father, Harold C. Whitley, nephew, Elliott Whitley and grandson, Timothy Whitley. He is survived by his mother, Helen J. Morris and his wife, love and life partner, Tesa M. Whitley, brothers Douglas Whitley, Jimmy Whitley and wife Mim, twin sister and best bud, Vicki and her husband, Javier, sons Jeremy Whitley and wife Connie, Shae M Jones and wife Sloane, Stacy Ray Jones and wife Christina. Grandchildren, Nolan Whitley, MaryAnn Jones, Stacy M Jones, Shelby A. Jones, Thomas S. Jones and Rhae C. Jones. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. His special Aunt Barbara and husband Bob.
Honorary Pallbearers- Larry Shroyer, M.R. Lary, Chris Repman, Nolan Whitley, Shae M. Jones and Stacy Ray Jones.
Memorial services will be held Saturday January 6th at 11 am at the Crossroad Church Chapel , 6901 Tx 191 Odessa. In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to the West Texas Boys Ranch in San Angelo or a charity of your choice.
" Often in life where what appears to be an ending is really a glorious beginning"