Tinley Resident and Business Owner Clarence 'Whitey' Precin Dies at 86

Devoted and loving husband of 63 years to Suzanne (nee Mitchell), Clarence "Whitey" Precin died just one day after Christmas.

Whitey and Sue spent their years as friends and partners; loving and growing a family of six children, through the hard times and good times.

Dedicated father to Susan Pierorazio (Fernando), Gary Precin (Debbie), Dawn Evanchik (Stephen Elliott), Denise Arthur (Wayne), Scott Precin (Kim), and Robert Precin (Jeanine). Dad is truly our personal treasure and without a doubt, the greatest and bravest man we’ll ever know.

We are so proud to have had a father who was respected and loved so much by so many. Not only did we lose our Dad, we lost our buddy, mentor, confidant, protector, and best friend. He was a part of everything we did. Our hearts are broken but our memories and joys of dad are immeasurable.

Proud grandfather of Gina Hampton (Dan), Paul, Marc, Justin, Holly Donovan (Jim), Jeff (deceased), Grant, Matt, Michael (Tina), Tyler, Ryan, Brandon, Erin and Robbie. Beloved great grandfather of Michael, Daniel, Zachary, Skylur, Paige, Jimmy, Aubrie and Nate. Revered uncle to many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his father Stephen and mother Jeanette, (nee Meckes) Precin, Stepmother Eileen Precin and half brother Stephen Precin and his precious sister Rita Jean Bresnahan.

Whitey served as a Sonarman on the USS PC 1122 Patrol Craft in the United States Navy and was stationed in the Philippine Islands during World War II. He was responsible for underwater surveillance, assisted in safe navigation and aided in search, rescue and attack operations.

He was the President and owner of Home Building Supply Company in for nearly 30 years and retired from the company in 2008 at the age of 83.

As a teenager he took second place in the Illinois State Field Archery Tournament and represented the United States in International Competition. He took his archery skills to deer hunting until he realized it was more fun to feed the deer then it was to hunt them.

He was an avid bowler, golfer and skeet shooter. A passionate fisherman who loved his fishing trips with his family and his annual trips with his sons and his “fishin buddies” up on the house boats in Rainy Lakes, Minnesota. His love for fishing has been passed down to even the youngest of his great grandchildren.

He was a member of the Builders Tee Club, an association of home builders that cultivated friendships and good will among its members. He was a skilled craftsman, “Jack of all trades” but “master of all” who designed and built the home that he and Sue raised their children in and also the home next door where his sister and brother-in-law, Rita and Gerald Bresnahan raised their family.

Whitey was an honorable, compassionate, trusting and generous man who found good in all people. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and made everyone laugh with his quick wit and great sense of humor. He seized life to the fullest and loved it passionately. He was admired and respected by those who came to know him, even if for a short period of time. For those who had the pleasure to know him well, their relationship will always be cherished. To know him was to love him and he will be sorely missed.

May you rest in eternal life with the Lord.

Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The funeral will be Friday, Dec. 30 at 9 a.m. at the Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home, 9000 W. 151st Street, Orland Park. Stone Church service will be at 10 a.m. with entombment following at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip.