Alvis E. Tabor

SERVICES: 2:00 PM Monday, February 20, 2006, at Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Pampa, Texas, with family members officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Pampa.BIOGRAPHY: Born August 18, 1917 in Whitt, Texas, to Dan Franklin & Iva Willis Tabor. During World War II, he worked in the defense industry in California. He was a 1947 graduate of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, majoring in agriculture. In 1952, he and his partners, Marvin Sparks and Johnny Truelove, founded Vibra Whirl & Company in Panhandle. The firm manufactured athletic whirlpool baths and sports equipment, and constructed football stadiums, all-weather running tracks and tennis courts. Vibra Whirl remains the oldest sports surfacing company in America. In 1972, Mr. Tabor moved to Richardson and established Vibra Whirl's Construction Division offices in Dallas and Houston. In 1980, he retired as Chairman of the Board and sold his interests to spend more time with his family and enjoy his second home at Jamaica Beach on Galveston Island. He enjoyed fishing on his boat with his friends and family, and took particular joy in helping children catch their first fish. Mr. Tabor was a longtime member and assistant chief of the Panhandle Volunteer Fire Department. He served as member and president of the Panhandle School Board and was an active leader in many charitable activities, including the Carson County Fair. He was an officer and 25-year member of Lions Club International. A man of unflagging honesty and integrity, resolute family devotion, immense generosity and kindness, and steadfast faith, Alvis will be forever missed by those who knew and loved him. Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Gwendolyne Couts Tabor of the home. 3 Children: Kenneth Tabor & wife Sandra of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Carrol Tabor & wife Cathy of Tomball, and Alvene Galloway & husband Bill of Livingston. 2 Grandchildren: Jason Tabor & wife Milgrid, and Daniel Tabor. 1 Great-Granddaughter: Michelle Tabor. 2 Step-Grandchildren: Billy Galloway and family of Livingston, and Donna Merritt and family of Rowlett. 2 Brothers: Curtis Tabor & wife Billie of Clovis, New Mexico, and Leon Tabor & wife Billie of Liberal, Kansas. 1 Sister: Ruby Laney & husband Walter of Winslow, Arizona. 1 Sister-in-Law: Caroline Couts of Pampa. Numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Ronald Tabor and Michael Tabor, five brothers, Orbin, Lorin, Raymond, Elgie and Dalton, and one sister, Sylvia Phillips. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your local Lions Club or a charity of your choice.