Hardware Family Suffers a Tragic Loss
The hardware industry is a close-knit community, filled with caring individuals. So when one member of the hardware industry suffers a tragic loss, the whole hardware community grieves too. This week is one of those moments unfortunately.
Royce Christopher, sales manager for Epicor Software Solutions, and his wife, Kim Christopher, an account manager for Epicor, suffered the tragic loss of their 18-year-old daughter Whitney Vaughan-Christopher, who died August 8 as the result of a car accident.
A memorial scholarship has been established in Whitney’s honor. Click here.
The entire Hardware Connection team shares others in the industry in expressing our heartfelt sympathy to Royce and Kim and their entire family during this difficult period of loss.
Whitney’s family penned the following obituary that captures the essence of her indomitable spirit.
Whitney Jade Vaughan-Christopher on August 8th, 2023 went to be with the Lord.
Whitney “Hotshot” was born on November 14, 2004 in Austin, Texas. She was raised in Point Venture, Texas, attended her entire grade school for the Lago Vista Vikings and graduated with Honors. “Whit” was enrolled at Tarleton State University to study a Masters of Science in Athletic Training.
“Whit-Whit’s” presence was refreshing in her radiant smile, her big dimples and her contagious laughter. She was also very competitive and this showed true while playing basketball and softball for her Lady Vikings. She actually played football with the boys until 7th grade where she scored a touchdown playing in a home game. “Sweetie’s” heart was a compassionate and giving heart. As a testament, for several of her birthdays she asked for new shoes, backpacks and blankets to be donated instead of receiving presents from her friends. Her passion was to give everything to her friends and family.
Whitney loved being an athletic trainer and devoted herself to her fellow athletes and students in many sports and activities. She had a special relationship with many of her teachers and chose daily to bring joy to the classroom. She exemplified AeTT (Family) and was proud to be a Viking. Many people don’t know but she continuously taught herself sign language throughout the years. She used apps and the internet to broaden her knowledge so that she could give even more.
Whitney was proud to be in Point Venture growing up at the Lake participating in Jet Skis, Wakeboarding, Wake Surfing and most of all being with her loving community. In the summer of 2022 Whitney dedicated her life to Christ at Fuge Camp through Northlake Church in Lago Vista.
Above all, Whitney loved family. She encouraged sit-down dinners, home-cooked meals and family movies as long as the movie included Tom Holland. She loved her brother Preston and sister Sabrina unconditionally. The three had an amazing bond that was held by the love that Whitney wrapped around them as long as she could be the boss. They all also loved their independent time while shopping and eating in town with their friends. Often they could be found playing catch with footballs, softballs, baseballs and even could be found braiding Preston’s hair.
She loved her father Damon and was grateful of the life he gifted to her. Often, she enjoyed her time with her Dad and cousins camping, but as long as someone else built the fire and pitched the tents. Whit was easy to love. With her upbeat outlook on life and overpouring love, it showed when meeting Royce and his family. In 2020 she gave Royce the proudest moment in his life by asking to hyphenate her name and become a Christopher. She loved “Puppy,” her dog Dixie. The two spent every morning together in her bed getting ready for the day.
Whitney was a Mama’s girl. Kim and Hotshot would spend hours talking, texting, laughing, getting nails done, shopping and organizing everything in the house meticulously. The two worked together making the most detailed of list, planning the most elaborate parties you can imagine and trips everywhere. Kim, Whitney, Sabrina and Preston have an unparalleled amount of love and commitment to family and friends.
Whitney would love you to the Moon and Back and Stay Strong!
Whitney is survived by her siblings Sabrina and Preston Vaughan. Her parents Kim and Royce Christopher. Damon Vaughan. Her aunts and uncles, Mike and Nichole Wade, Kristina Wade, Kathryn Abbas, Kelly and Midge Vaughan, Jacquline and Mark McCoy, Tim and Brandi Vanbibber. Her cousins Logan and Coleman Vaughan, Dane and Presley McCoy, Maddi and Emma Vanbibber. Her grandparents Polly and Bruce Robertson, Janet and Brian Cairns, Kelly Christopher.
Funeral Services are being held at the Lago Vista High School Performing Arts Center at 6:30 on Tuesday, August 15. 5185 Lohman Ford Rd, Lago Vista 78645. Arrangements are being held by Northlake Church in Lago Vista.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked to donate to the Whitney “Hotshot” Vaughan-Christopher Memorial Scholarship Fund. This is being managed by the Lago Vista Viking Booster Club.
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