Haley named grand marshal of WCHS homecoming parade

The 2024 Tammy “Pistol” Wilhite Homecoming Parade for White County High School has been set. The parade is this Thursday, Sept. 19, at 5:30 p.m. Homecoming festivities will conclude Friday night, at Dee Harris Field, on the campus of WCHS.

The 2024 Grand Marshal for the Parade is a name that is known to many, Donny Haley. Haley is a former player, coach, administrator, and White County School System superintendent. Haley was the starting quarterback for the 1962-1963 Warrior football team. Haley played for the legendary coach Dee Harris.

Haley moved to Doyle after his father, the Rev. Garvin Haley, and his mother, Ruby Malone Haley, accepted the pastorate at Greenwood Baptist Church. Shortly after moving to White County, the Rev. Haley, Mrs. Haley, and their daughter were involved in a very serious automobile accident, where Ruby Haley lost her life. Donny and his family moved back to Watertown while their father recovered from his injuries.

Donny returned to WCHS for his senior year. Haley served as the class president and was a member of the student council. After graduating from WCHS, Haley spent three years in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

 Haley is a career educator, serving 17 years as assistant principal of White County Middle School, alongside Principal Roy Heady. Haley was also a longtime football coach of the WCMS Warriors. Haley left WCMS after being elected superintendent of schools for White County. Haley was elected twice and then appointed by the school board, serving the citizens and students of White County for 20 years in that role.

Haley has been married to Pat Yates Haley for 53 years. They have one son, Bryan. Bryan and his wife, Cynthia, have two children, Hannah and Matthew.

White County High School staff and administration proudly recognize Donny Haley as the 2024 Grand Marshal of the Tammy “Pistol” Wilhite Homecoming Parade.