D.J. Whittington Jr., 71, of Johnson City, TX, passed away Monday, Sept. 6, 2004. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, at First Baptist Church in Johnson City.D.J. is survived by his wife, Gertrude, with whom he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 28, 2004. He is also survived by son Gordon and his wife, Catherine, of Marietta, GA, and their son, Jason Kelly, and family, of Augusta, GA. D.J. is also survived by son Sam and his wife, Susan, of Johnson City, and their children, Rilee and Luke. D.J. is also survived by brother-in-law Bobby Uecker, and his wife, Rhonda, of Blanco. Preceding D.J. in death were his parents, Des and Lela Whittington, sister Greta Uecker, nephew Mark Uecker and niece Becky Finklea.Born in Algiers, LA, on July 19, 1933, D.J. spent his childhood in Devers, TX. He was a graduate of Sam Houston State, where he was a founding member of the rodeo club. In 1957, he and Gertrude moved to Johnson City, there entering the ranching and meat processing business. D.J. was a charter member of the Texas Association of Meat Processors, and became known regionally as "the jerky man," due to his popular beef jerky still made in Johnson City. He retired from that industry in 1999, when he sold Johnson City Locker Plant.D.J. was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Johnson City and a member of the Johnson City Lions Club for over 40 years. As a longtime member and past president of the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce, he was honored in 2003 with a Golden Service Award. D.J. coached Little League for several years, and for over 20 years, he and his family hosted Easter sunrise services on the family ranch on Miller Creek.D.J. served over 25 years on the Pedernales Soil and Water Conservation District, for which he was Outstanding Conservationist in 1970. He also was named an Honorary Chapter Farmer by the local FFA. D.J. bred and trained Catahoula cowdogs, winning several awards and hosting cowdog competitions.Arrangements are under the direction of Crofts Funeral Homes, Johnson City: 830/868-4444. Internment will be at Miller Creek Cemetery. In lieu of the usual remembrances, family requests donations be made in memory of D.J. Whittington to: First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 417, Johnson City, TX 78636; or to the charity of your choice.