2018 Remembering Julius Whittier

Julius was one of the first freshmen Longhorns I met in August of 1969 when I reported as a new student manager. He, Steve Valek and I were particularly friendly as freshmen and sophomores. Between his growing Afro hairstyle and his preferred mode of campus transportation, his bicycle, Julius was impossible to miss. We had several classes together and I admired Julius then and continued to hold him in high regard for his academic and professional accomplishments throughout his life.

 

Although we were not aware of it at the time, he and I helped integrate the UT travel squad when we roomed together on the only overnight road trip of the freshman season in Fort Worth. That occurred when as we were getting everyone on the bus, Coach Ellington learned from Spanky that Junior Blewitt was sick and unable to travel.  Coach Ellington replied to Spanky something to the effect of “Well, that’s great. Now who rooms with Whitter?” I was helping check off the names as they boarded the bus and quickly replied that I would. The coaches had all three freshman managers in one room. I knew that I would have a bed to myself at the Blackstone Hotel that night if he would assign me to room with Julius.  I might have arrived at UT from McGregor two months earlier but I didn’t arrive on a turnip truck. 

 

Julius was a strong man with sound core values in 1969 when he arrived at UT. His life story demonstrated that he adhered to those values personally and professionally throughout his life.

 David

 

David D. Anderson

HillCo Partners

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Billy,

I am sure you do not remember me but I walked on in 1970 and made the team and Lettered at fullback my Freshman year behind Gaspard. I roomed with McEnvale (Not the Mattress Mac) but ended up rooming with Julius for a few months. I remember you and Julius coming to the room and giving me the Freshman once over. Nothing bad. Julius was a funny likable person with many girlfriends. I was often his receptionist relaying phone calls to the room for him from dang near all girls of all races. During Spring practice I was working as a fullback on the attack team against the first team defense and made a lucky block on Randy Braband and coach Door grabbed my face mask and ask me my name. I told him Henry Barton. The next day I had a white jersey and reported to Coach Ballard. I was way over my head and nervous but I think at the time Bobby Callison was hurt and I actually scrimmaged at fullback with Eddie Phillips at QB and Burtelson and Don Burrisk at running backs. My speed was not world class and I remember Julius started calling me speedy. We only roomed together for a few months and I know you were close and I think that is when he moved in with you. I actually don’t remember if I changed rooms or if he moved out. I hurt my knee the week before the Spring game and ended up having to have surgery. That is when Coach Ballard told me the scholarship we discussed was out the window. I move out of Jester in a few months and rented a house with Rick Vacura who had also had knee surgery.

I did not mean to make this a book but just wanted to relay my fond memories of Julius and thank you for all you do for this great site.

Thank You

  

Steve Barton

President

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When I was young and working with the team, he was very kind to me. I am saddened by the loss. Paul Ramsey

 

Great post, Billy. You and Julius were pioneers. Coach Royal, too. I see that Julius went on to earn a Master’s in Public Affairs. His father’s warnings were part of what we didn’t know when we were growing up. We’ve come a long way, but still have a way to go. Roger Evans

Julius was a good man. All who knew him will miss him. Hook’em Horns!!! Dan Steakley ️

Sorry to hear your friend died. Benjamin Sherman

Billy,

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 I just recently heard the news about the passing of Julius Whittier.  I couldn’t help but think about you and the story you shared with me concerning your connection with Julius Whittier and how that came about through Coach Royal.

 I thank you for your support, connection, and overall role in the life of Julius Whittier.  Because of who I am and what I’ve experienced, I understand how important that can be.  From my humble perspective, there are no coincidences or accidents in life.

 Sincerely,

 

Rodney Page

Lukin Gilliland, Jr.

October 11, 2018

I played against Julius in high school and with him at UT. I remember how much better it was to play with him! He was a great athlete; hit you hard with a smile on his face. Always asked what I was doing good for my body as he viewed it as a Temple. Was happy to support him when he ran for the Court of Criminal Appeals and won my fair share of bets on the question of the first African-American to start for UT. I’ll sure miss him.

Cynthia A. Gonzalez

October 4, 2018

Julius, I will always remember your wisdom, leadership and kind heart. I will never forget your support during the year I was President of the Dallas Texas Exes. I will always remember your love for the University of Texas at Austin, and you set the standard for all of us to follow. Dance with the Angels. ! ! Vaya con Dios! !Abrazos!

Erica Pinckney

October 4, 2018

I had the pleasure of working with Julius at the Dallas County DA office. I was his secretary for a moment. He was very kind to me, always happy and in good spirits. He will truely be missed. My condolences the family, may God bless you and give you strength to get through these trying times.

Cheryl Jefferson

October 3, 2018

I had breakfast with Julius, Karol, and Ivey a few years ago. When I got home I wrote this for him.

For Julius
Your welcoming smile was warm and genuine,
As the conversation flowed you said,
“You’re, Cheryl.”
A look of glee came to your face and you kissed my hand.
Your discovery and pleasure at the recognition 
Caused me to smile.

As we talked of the stars at Fort Davis, the red stone of Sedona,
Each recalled memory 
Made you smile.
Your smile of pure innocent joy
Touched my heart.

Charles and I will miss you.

Gilda Babin

October 3, 2018

Butch and I have fond memories of our time with you, skiing in Montana and Colorado. Those “Ski Jammer” days were a blast. Our prayers to the Whittier family, and may you rest in peace.

Deb Ploetz

October 3, 2018

My husband, Greg Ploetz, played with Julius at UT. Greg and Julius were good friends even though Greg was two years ahead of him.According to Greg they spent time discussing the state of the world and shared similar views. Now they can spend time together in heaven. Love to you Julius and your family, Deb

Bill Sheetz

October 2, 2018

Julius was a great lawyer and an even greater man. We knew each other at the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. My prayers of strength and encouragement goes out to his family and friends experiencing pain and anguish with this great loss. Please be assured, Julius is in heaven rejoicing with the Lord and all those souls who came before me. Bill Sheetz

Richie (Richardine) Taylor

October 1, 2018

My condolences to the family.
Several of us went to school with Julius at Fannin Elementary in San Antonio, Tx. We were in the 4th grade (Sybil Heavy’s class). Julius had misbehaved (not unusual for him) and had been banished to the coat room–which had windows leading to the hallway. We were sitting in class and we heard this crashing sound and the shattering of glass—Julius had jumped through the window, not realizing it was closed. He wasn’t injured–not even his pride! The 3 of us who were in that class (Lillie Webb and Lynda Bryant Edwards) were just talking about that this weekend—it still brings nostalgic smiles to our faces.
His was a life well lived!

Floyd Chapman

September 30, 2018

I remember Julius well from high school, even though I was Class of ‘70 Highlands High. I am saddened to hear of his passing and would like to extend my deepest condolences to Millie and the rest of the family. He was admired and respected by all he came in contact with and I am honored to be able to say I had the pleasure of knowing him. Rest In Peace my friend!

Lauri Tyler

September 29, 2018

You were my first true love. I remember working at the Dallas County Courthouse walking down the halls and seeing you was the highlight of my day.

These were great articles but I’m so sorry to hear about Julius.  I remember him playing football just after I graduated from pharmacy school and was working at the UT Health Center Pharmacy.   We filled some of his prescriptions and supplied the athletic department with medicines.    Dr. Tricket was the team physician then.  All that was 40 years ago.   Bennett Brooke