Donald Ray Willhite Jr

December  11th, 1983 October  8th, 2024
Poway, CA
Donald Ray Willhite Jr

“If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you’ve made me smile, the entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand” - Unknown

Obituary

W Donald Ray Willhite Jr. (known to most as "DJ") from Poway, CA passed away suddenly on the evening of October 8, 2024 at the age of 40. 

DJ was born and raised in Poway. He attended Valley Elementary School, Meadowbrook Middle School and graduated from Poway High School. Known for his generous spirit and unwavering loyalty, he touched the lives of everyone he met and left an indelible mark on those who were fortunate enough to know him. DJ was always ready with a smile, a big bear hug or an encouraging word. He loved those close to him fiercely, especially his son Tyler.

DJ was intelligent, quick-witted, funny, friendly and genuinely kind and respectful. He was a gentle giant with a heart of gold and gave what he could, when he could. His chosen profession was Auto Body Estimating, a job he performed for 18+ years. DJ loved being outdoors and often spent time at the beach listening to the ocean and watching sunrises or sunsets.

DJ is survived by Cathleen & Jeff Orr (parents); Tyler Keough (son); Kelly Willhite-Koryta (sister); Rachel Orr (sister); Erin Talbert (sister); Tod Koryta (brother-in-law); Randy Talbert (brother-in-law); Dan Bell (brother); Carol Smell (Grandmother); Cindy Smell (Aunt); Deborah Nisenoff (Aunt); Tammy Van Herreweghe (Aunt); Ray Smell (Uncle); Stephen Nisenoff (uncle); Nephews: Hunter Poe, Bryan Willhite-Koryta, Caleb Willhite-Koryta and Eli Talbert; Nieces: Jennifer Willhite-Koryta and Jena Talbert; lots of cousins, second cousins and many friends he called family. He is greatly missed and will be forever loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday November 22, 2024, at the Poway Community Park in the Oak Hall East Room located at 13094 Civic Center Dr. Poway, CA 92064 from 5:30 - 8:00. Food will be served from 5:30pm - 6:30pm with services, sharing and reflecting following. 

Please click on the Memory Wall tab above to share a memory, story and/or a picture.

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October 25, 2024
What a beautiful tribute. I'm weeping. DJ was a special guy, i knew him more in his younger man days but always had such a strong admiration for his overall personality and man do I remember how he made me laugh. DJ, you are missed and there is an emptiness you've left that we'll all need to fill. Godspeed to you and Im sure we'll meet again. Thoughts to you Cathleen and Jeff and the extended family. Love to you all.
Ellen Phillips
October 24, 2024
My condolences to the family. I didn't know DJ very long,but with him you wouldn't know it. He made me feel like I was his long lost brother. He had a kind soul, and a heart as big as Mount Rushmore. He was by no means perfect, hell none of us are. He had his fair share of demons. And he
fought them off every day. He was way to young to leave us, but just maybe he had a calling far far away. And knowing DJ , he would answer that call..You will be missed my friend.
Kerry Smith
October 24, 2024
I have so many memories of good and happy times with my grandson DJ. He was always polite, had a great personality, always loving. I miss him and will miss him saying "love you Gram." Love you DJ.
Gram.
Caroline Smell
October 20, 2024
My heart goes out to all that got the pleasure of knowing DJ. He had such a special and unique way to make me smile and laugh. We taught each other a lot. Dice will never be the same and neither will I. I know he's not in anymore pain. Our heavenly Father got a new special Angel by his side. R I.P. my sweet friend! 🫶 You will be missed terribly 🌄♥️
Deanna Wood
October 20, 2024
I feel honoured to call you my friend!! You were one of a kind and a righteously genuine individual!! I miss you and hopefully will see you in heaven someday my friend!!!
Brian Kleinfeldt
October 19, 2024
Was one of the nicest young men l have ever met. He visited my daughter one of her best friends. We talked about families a lot. He finally taught me the dice game they plaid a lot. Sorry we never got to go fishing together we would have seen who caught the biggest one. Will miss you my friend. Rest with Angels.
Linda wood
October 19, 2024
I went to Valley with DJ, he was always one you could count on to make you feel better. He was someone who was a lot of fun to be around as a kid. I’m sure he will be missed by many.
Nathan W.
October 19, 2024
My sincere condolences to the entire family ,such a beautiful tribute on your DJ. Each picture shows how he was a happy loving young man. My prayers to friends and family.
Margo Cooper
October 18, 2024
This was tough to hear and a big shock to a lot of us. I've known DJ since he was 9yrs old. I will miss his infectious smile and little chats. My heart hurts for the family and I give my deepest condolences to all of them. He will never be forgotten and he was loved by so many. God bless the family .
Karen Mills
October 18, 2024
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of DJ. He had the heart of gold and would drop whatever he was doing to help others. He will be forever missed. Love Suzanne❤️
Suzanne Post
October 18, 2024
He brought me to my first ever concert with my girlfriend. A time I can never forget.
Tyler Keough
October 17, 2024
Brother I miss and love you so much! The op talk and the 143637 you always told me i will never forget!

Love,
Brat
Kelly Koryta
October 17, 2024
I miss my son, more than I can express in words, tears or heartache.
Momma

Family tree

Carol Smell
Cathleen Orr
Jeff Orr
Kelly Willhite-Koryta
Rachel Orr
Tyler Keough
Erin Willhite-Talbert
Kelly Willhite-Koryta
Rachel Orr
Erin Willhite-Talbert
Tyler Keough
Donald Willhite Jr

Favorites


DJ's favorite Sport:
DJ LOVED sports. He played Baseball and Basketball throughout his youth and teenage years. His first love was for baseball, where his position was primarily on the pitching mound, when not pitching, he played first base.
He also LOVED watching sports. He was a dedicated Padres fan and loved Tony Gwynn; he even had a personalized license plate “19SD394” made for his truck in Gynn's honor. 
DJ's favorite Food:
No doubt that his very favorite food was Mexican food! He also loved a good pizza. Homecooked meal favorites were anything dad grilled or smoked, and momma's fried chicken and SOS. 
DJ's favorite Music:
DJ loved music from all genres and wasn’t shy about singing at the top of his lungs regardless of where he was or who was around! 
DJ's favorite Movie:
There are too many to list, but Blazing Saddles, Boondock Saints (I and II), Tombstone and Super Troopers are a few.
He was an expert at quoting "one-liners" from movies and he’d spontaneously belt out impersonations which always made people laugh. 
DJ's favorite Game to play:
Poker, 10,000 (aka Farkle), Darts, Billiards, 5 Crowns. He loved being around family and friends and making us laugh!
DJ's favorite Drink:
Non-Alcoholic - SLURPEE's!
Alcoholic - Various beers and ales.
Fun fact about DJ:
DJ was often voted in by his baseball team and coaches as an "All Star.” 
Fun fact about DJ:
DJ was in the GATE program from 3rd through 5th grade. 
Fun fact about DJ:
In 6th grade, DJ broke the shotput distance record.
Fun fact about DJ:
He absolutely despised the smell and taste of seafood....it literally made him gag!
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