Taylor Ross Whitley

Taylor Ross Whitley, 38, of Lake Jackson, TX passed away August 1, 2018. Taylor was born February 21, 1980 in Baytown, Texas, to Dennis and Lanette (Lemons) Whitley of Edna, TX. He attended Tarkington Elementary near Cleveland, TX, and was a 1998 graduate of Sudan High School, Sudan, TX.

Taylor pursued excellence in everything he did. He was Valedictorian of his high school class and an outstanding athlete. He earned a scholarship to play football for Texas A&M University and was a 3 year starter as an offensive lineman. He graduated from Texas A& M University, Class of 2002 and received his Masters Degree in Sports Management from Texas A&M University. His dream to play in the NFL was realized when he was drafted in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft and played for the Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos and the Washington Redskins. Taylor married Shannon Warny on March 13, 2004. They were the perfect team. They have two beautiful daughters, Laine Taylor, age 7, and Logan McKay, age 4, who rounded out team Whitley. He was Vice President of Sales at USA DeBusk. He and his family attended Brazos Pointe Fellowship in Lake Jackson, TX.

Taylor was larger than life in every regard. He was a gentle giant. He lived life to the fullest and everyone around him felt his love, strength and kindness. He loved God, being with his family, water sports, and Aggie Football. Taylor was the most amazing husband, father and friend. He was a man of excellence.

Taylor is survived by his wife, Shannon Warny Whitley and their two beautiful daughters Laine Taylor, and Logan McKay.

His parents, Dennis and Lanette Whitley, of Edna, his sister and brother-in-law, Lauren and Chad Luig, and their children, Caden and Cash Luig of Aurora, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Taylor is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Henry and Hazel Whitley and his maternal grandparents, Woodrow Lemons, Thelma and Dick Todd, his aunt and uncle, Woody and Paula Lemons.

Serving as pallbearers are cousins; Rob Bluhm, Scott Bluhm, John Ligon, Clay Whitley, Jake Whitley, and Tyler Wolfe, Geoff Hangartner (friend), and brother-in-laws; Chad Luig and Jeff Smith.

Honorary pallbearers are his nephews, Caden and Cash Luig and Owen and Grant Smith, cousins, Bradley and Lawson Lemons, and his former teammates.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, August 6, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Brazos Pointe Fellowship 679 Texas 332 W. Lake Jackson, TX 77566. Please no suits.