O’Neal White, age 92, a long- time resident of Tallahassee departed this life to see Jesus and begin his new life in heaven on Friday, July 24, 2020. He was born in Hurricane, Alabama on November 15, 1927, to Melvie Owens White and Ernest Garrett White, Sr.
He was raised in Tallahassee, Florida during his childhood and attended Fort Braden Elementary School and Leon High School. He entered the Navy in 1945 where he was stationed in San Diego California. While living there, he met the love of his life, Arlene Little White, and they were married on July 12, 1952. He returned to Tallahassee in 1953, and began his career as an outboard motor mechanic and then a carpenter/electrician and later joined the Tallahassee Fire Department where he worked until he retired as a Lieutenant in 1989.
Upon returning to Tallahassee he served his Lord as a faithful member of Leon Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, and later Chairman of the Deacons. He played baseball as a pitcher while serving in the Navy and also played slow pitch softball in Tallahassee where they won the Florida State ASA Slow Pitch Softball Championship in 1961.
He was a gifted self-taught musician, singer and song writer. He played the guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica and steel guitar. He was devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his children and later grandchildren. His hobbies included, fishing, water skiing, playing any kind of sports. Our favorite family tradition was to gather around and sing with “Papa White” as he played the guitar.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Garrett White, Sr.; mother, Melvie Owens White, step-mother, Lottie Baggett White; brothers, R.D.White, Sr. (Alvine); Ernest Garrett White, Jr. (Emilie); sisters, Myrtha White Mills, (Fred Smith and Roland Mills); Margaree White Raker, (Harold), Gennie White Allbritton (Clyde).
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Arlene Little White; four children, Susan Kellogg (Bob), Garry White (Cindy), Judy Hussey (Sam) and Paula Boone (Gary) and one sister, Evelyn White Reeves. His grandchildren, Charlotte Sorrell (Michael), Charles Reed Rericha, Erin Schepers, Adam Hussey (Meredith), Niki Boone Overstreet, Blaine Kellogg (Kimberly), Kacy Bonta (Brody), Devin Smith (Jeremy). Great grandchildren, Albrey Sorrell, Kayleigh Schepers, Clay Sorrell, Jackson Branch, Kai Kellogg, Jace Hussey, Caroline Branch, Noah Kellogg, Tyler Hussey and Olivia Austin, Brinley Bonta and Blakely Bonta, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Surrounded by family, he listened as they sang one last song, the words of which are so very fitting. “You gave me your love Lord and a fine family. Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me.” Feeling their love, he knew they would care for each other and that his work on earth was done. He peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home moments later. Due to COVID-19, the family is having a private service on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 1pm. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at www.facebook.com/culleysmeadowwood
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to your favorite charity or do a deed of kindness for someone in his memory.
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