Thomas Benton White

Tommy was born on Oct. 16, 1943 to Frances and JC White. He attended West End High School where he excelled in both football and baseball. After graduation, Tommy attended Jeff State with a focus on Criminal Justice. Tommy put his academics to use and joined the Birmingham Police Department where he rose to the rank of Sergeant and was known as “Sgt. White” for over 20 years. During this time, Tommy created many fond memories through coaching a youth football team.

Upon his retirement at the Birmingham Police Department, Tommy joined the Hueytown Police Department as a Sergeant and served there for over 10 years, prior to becoming a dispatcher with the Pleasant Grove Police Department where he retired in 2012.

During the latter part of his career, Tommy joined the Zamora Shriners of Birmingham (Skat Cat unit) where he was a Master Mason dedicated to helping improve the lives of children. Tommy also spent many years lobbying for the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) in Montgomery.

Tommy was a man of integrity whose mantra was always to “lead, guide and motivate” all those around him. He had a larger-than-life personality, was an avid Auburn fan, loyal friend to all (he would give the shirt off his back to anyone), protector of mankind, advocate for those who served, father, step-father, grandfather and rock for his close family.

Nothing made Tommy prouder than his children and grandchildren. In fact, he considered many like his own. He lovingly gave nicknames to Doc (Cole Noah), Tuffy (Harrison Bourg) and Rocky (Braxton Bourg) - all who still go by these names today.

He loved to bragged about his all of his children and grandchildren and would tell anyone nearby of their latest achievements. Tommy enjoyed telling stories from his days coaching youth football, his days on the street as a police officer, or about his police K9, Ingo. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family, be it at a cookout at home, on vacation at the beach, at Disney, at a sports event or simply at home. Nothing made him happier than being surrounded by the ones he loved.

Thomas Benton White was a “giant among men” who lived a full life. He will be immensely missed and often thought of fondly by all who were close to him. There are no words that can truly describe how loved he was, or how much he meant to his family.

Those left to cherish his memory and celebrate his life include his wife, Mary Lee Russo White; his children, Lindsay Broadhurst (and her husband, Blake – who Tommy loved dearly), Michelle Finch, Leigh Ann White, Shawn White, Benny White, Christy Landeo and Rusty White; as well as 16 beloved grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his daughter, Rosemary Noah; step brother, Gary Abernathy; his mother Frances Abernathy; his father, JC White; and step father Dave Abernathy.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the White family.