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.
Timeline
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1st
DJ's Life Journey
It’s nearly impossible to sum up the life of your own son on paper, or on a half-hour video, so I will share more about DJ’s life journey with you here and in the video below to exemplify the beautiful person DJ was.
My pregnancy was textbook perfect. D was born healthy and happy and started sleeping through the night at 10 days old! His childhood was a good one and he was a pretty good kid. He had many good friends as well as memorable teachers and coaches.
My pregnancy was textbook perfect. D was born healthy and happy and started sleeping through the night at 10 days old! His childhood was a good one and he was a pretty good kid. He had many good friends as well as memorable teachers and coaches.
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2nd
School & Recreational Sports
D didn’t have to try hard to do good in school, it came naturally to him. He was intelligent and articulate. He was not easily flustered. He especially loved Math, History and Spanish.
D played rec league baseball from t-ball until he aged out, and rec league basketball from 3rd thru 11th grade. Had it not been for his elbow and knee injuries, he may have gone on to be a pro ball baseball player….just maybe for the Padres!
D played rec league baseball from t-ball until he aged out, and rec league basketball from 3rd thru 11th grade. Had it not been for his elbow and knee injuries, he may have gone on to be a pro ball baseball player….just maybe for the Padres!
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3rd
DJ becomes a dad!
DJ became a father at age 22, and Tyler became his life. He was involved in his sports, schooling and present in his life. D loved watching him play baseball, basketball and bowl. They also took a liking to RC cars and spent time racing together all of the time!
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4th
DJ had many layers of personality.
He was gentle, kind, and he was friendly to everyone he met. He was also very generous, and if someone needed something, and he had it to give, he gave it.
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5th
D was polite and respectful.
From the time he was a little guy, he addressed men and women as “Mr. or Mrs.” until they told him otherwise, then who knew what he’d come up with…. He had nicknames for many people… most of the time that meant he liked you.
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6th
D was a loving, passionate and emotional man.
He wore his heart on his sleeve and had a deep love for those that he held close to him. When his Pop and I showed up at the baseball field for his games, he always came out of the dugout with a huge smile on his face and gave us a hug. He wasn’t shy about it and didn’t care what anyone said!
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7th
He LOVED sports!
D grew up to be a dedicated Padres fan with his all-time favorite player being Tony Gwynn. He had a personalized license plate made for his truck in honor of Tony Gwynn and in high school, did a little math tutoring for Tony Gwynn Jr!
Growing up in Ontario, CA, I was a Dodger fan, so a few of his outfits were “Dodgers.” When looking at his baby pictures he was a little distraught to see pictures of himself dressed in anything Dodgers!
He enjoyed all sports, football, baseball, basketball, bowling
Growing up in Ontario, CA, I was a Dodger fan, so a few of his outfits were “Dodgers.” When looking at his baby pictures he was a little distraught to see pictures of himself dressed in anything Dodgers!
He enjoyed all sports, football, baseball, basketball, bowling
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8th
DJ looked for the good in people.
D made friends easily and enjoyed talking to people. If things somehow went sideways, he would always attempt to make things right. He always had a smile on his face when he came in, and his arms were open and ready to give one of his big teddy bear hugs. He was most happy when he was around friends and family and even happier if Mexican food was involved!
What he didn’t like is stress, drama, “fake” or “mean” people, and he especially didn’t like to be alone.
What he didn’t like is stress, drama, “fake” or “mean” people, and he especially didn’t like to be alone.
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9th
He LOVED to have a good time!
D loved to have a good time, especially when music was involved. It didn’t matter what kind of music it was, if he liked it, he would dance like a fool and/or sing at the top of his lungs regardless of where he was or who was around! I even belted out a few with him when a song we liked played on the radio or the juke box while out playing pool. He was really fun to be around.
D was funny and loved a good joke and he was really good at telling them! He was great at one-liners from movies and doing impersonations. He liked to see people happy and to make us all laugh.
D was funny and loved a good joke and he was really good at telling them! He was great at one-liners from movies and doing impersonations. He liked to see people happy and to make us all laugh.
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10th
Hobbies & Career.
His hobbies as an adult were playing poker, bowling, shooting pool, playing darts and racing RC cars. He loved a good challenge playing dice whenever the opportunity to play was there.
He spent 18+ years as an auto body estimator, making a wide range of money, but over the past three years, it ended up being a job he no longer had a desire for, and money became less important. He loved to be outdoors and to drive around with the top down in his convertible mustang. He spent many days taking in the sunrise of a new day and sunsets ending them.
He spent 18+ years as an auto body estimator, making a wide range of money, but over the past three years, it ended up being a job he no longer had a desire for, and money became less important. He loved to be outdoors and to drive around with the top down in his convertible mustang. He spent many days taking in the sunrise of a new day and sunsets ending them.
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11th
DJ was a good man.
DJ was a good person with a beautiful soul. He was a wonderful son and an amazing father. He had a heart of gold and a beautiful soul. His dad and I had a good relationship with him, and we talked openly about all kinds of things, personal and worldly.
Although the roads taken weren’t always smooth for him, DJ's successes taught him gratitude and his failures to be humble, and not to take anything for granted.
DJ lived his life the way he wanted to.
Although the roads taken weren’t always smooth for him, DJ's successes taught him gratitude and his failures to be humble, and not to take anything for granted.
DJ lived his life the way he wanted to.
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12th
Looking Back.
As I looked back through the pictures I have and the photo albums I made for him, I felt many emotions and re-lived those simpler times. What stood out most was that he always had a big smile on his face, his arm around someone, or was just acting silly.
Although there is a huge hole in our hearts, his dad and I are thankful for every minute that we had with D. We miss his voice, his smile, his big wrap-around bear hugs, his laugh, his wit and even his sarcasm.
We love him with all our heart. He will always be my/our sunshine.
Although there is a huge hole in our hearts, his dad and I are thankful for every minute that we had with D. We miss his voice, his smile, his big wrap-around bear hugs, his laugh, his wit and even his sarcasm.
We love him with all our heart. He will always be my/our sunshine.
Gallery
Videos
Memory wall
Post your condolences or share your Memories.
December 2, 2024
He will forever be missed. He really did give some of the best hugs and had one of the best smiles.
I will miss our our random lunches and our random conversations.
He had a heart of gold.
I will miss our our random lunches and our random conversations.
He had a heart of gold.
November 21, 2024
I will miss getting to see DJ around the neighborhood, as he was always so kind to me, my kids, and even my dog! She loved getting pets from him. I enjoyed all of our conversations, and his quick smile and positive attitude. Sending my thoughts to Jeff, Cathy, Tyler and the entire family during this challenging time.
November 15, 2024
DJ always had a great smile when he greeted me.
I remember when he would bring my groceries in from my car. Always Helpful!
DJ will be greatly missed by his family and friends and I know that I am one
of them. ❤️🤍💙
Love,
Cindy Swartz
I remember when he would bring my groceries in from my car. Always Helpful!
DJ will be greatly missed by his family and friends and I know that I am one
of them. ❤️🤍💙
Love,
Cindy Swartz
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gram.
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 🌄♥️
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!!!
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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❤️
October 18, 2024
He brought me to my first ever concert with my girlfriend. A time I can never forget.
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
Love,
Brat
October 17, 2024
I miss my son, more than I can express in words, tears or heartache.
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.
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.
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.
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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