Joseph James Whyte Jr.'s Obituary
Joseph James Whyte Jr., 91, of Reed City, MI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. He was born August 10, 1934, in Detroit, MI, the son of Joseph James Whyte Sr. and Roxie (Glatfelter) Whyte.
Joe was a self-employed contractor who dedicated his life to the construction industry. Even after his retirement, he continued using his talents to build and improve local churches, a reflection of his unwavering faith and servant’s heart.
A proud veteran, Joe honorably served his country in the United States Army Airborne. Throughout his life, he was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, and riding snowmobiles. A gifted athlete, he excelled in many sports and embraced an active lifestyle.
Joe was a devoted member of Liberty Baptist Church in Reed City, where he faithfully served and was deeply involved in the life of the church. His passion for the Lord guided every aspect of his life. He was a natural leader, a devoted family man, known for being a little stubborn, very frugal, and steadfast in his convictions. Above all, Joe cherished the time he spent with his family and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His family finds comfort in knowing that Joe is now rejoicing in the presence of his Savior.
Joe is survived by his wife, Ann Whyte; his children, Joseph (Nancy) Whyte III, George (Beth) Whyte, Samantha (Cam) Shanks, Michael (Kayla) McCreery, and Liz (Skyler) House; brother, Timothy (Karen) Whyte; grandchildren, Jillian Whyte (Miles), Stephanie (Darrell) Putansu, Talley (Michelle) Whyte, Megan (Matthew) Delgado, Chelsea (Wesley) Dennard, Holly Whyte, Joey (Camilla) Whyte, and Courtney Whyte; granddaughter-in-love, Rachel (Jeremy) Smith; many great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Louise Whyte; sisters, Roxie (Fred) Sinclair, Mary (Russ) Deardorff, and Margaret (Bob) Dawdy; and sister-in-law, Sue Whyte.
A memorial service celebrating Joe’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Liberty Baptist Church in Reed City. Joe’s family will greet friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. He will be laid to rest at Mount Hope Cemetery in Mecosta.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Baptist Church in Reed City or Oakland Baptist Church in Novi, Michigan.
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