Verl Tom Lillywhite

About

Former professional football player most fondly remembered for his time playing as a halfback with the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League between 1948 and 1951. He later became a teacher, coach, and athletic director at Burroughs High School in Ridgecrest, CA, where he worked for over 21 years until his retirement in the year 1991.

Before Fame

He attended Modesto Junior College before transferring to the University of Southern California, from which he graduated with a bachelor's degree in marketing. He later earned his master's degree from the Los Angeles State College of Applied Arts and Sciences.

Trivia

During the Korean War, he served in the United States Navy until he was honorably discharged in the year 1960. 

Family Life

He was the son of LeRoi and Cleopha Lillywhite. He had a brother named Roy and a sister named Daryl. He was married to his wife Ronnie for 25 years before his passing in 2007. He was the father of Michael, Jim, and Jeff Lillywhite. He had several stepchildren as well. He had 20 grandchildren at the time of his death.

Associated With

During his four seasons playing for the San Francisco 49ers, he played with teammates such as Frankie Albert and Joe Perry.