Paul Welling White

Paul Welling White, 61 of League City Texas died peacefully on December 23, 2014 surrounded by those that loved him dearly. He was born in LaMarque, Texas on August 30, 1953 and was a lifelong resident of League City where he made many lasting friendships that he valued throughout his life. He talked about his years on Wakefield Drive as a utopia for the many, many kids his age who grew up there.

Paul was raised in a very sports oriented family, sports were everything to him. He played every major sport until his junior year of high school when he decided to focus his abilities on baseball as a left handed pitcher. His equally athletic father had coached Paul from Little League on. Paul often said that his father knew more about baseball than any other person that ever coached him. His mother, also an athlete, knew sports very well and according to Paul, she let more than one umpire, as well as everyone in the stands hear her opinion, but she always protected her kids.

A 1972 graduate of Clear Creek High School, Paul led the Wildcats baseball team to the district championship and was named district MVP. After graduation he attended San Jacinto Junior College on a baseball scholarship before transferring to Sam Houston State University, also on a baseball scholarship. Paul helped his 1975 Bearkats take a 2nd place finish in the NAIA College World Series in St. Joseph, Missouri.

On February 28, 1981 at St. Mary Catholic Church he married his sweetheart and soul mate Janet Dixon. He always said that was the best decision he ever made because she lovingly cared for him throughout many, many years of very serious health problems starting with a near fatal car accident one year after they were married. Theirs was a love that could not be broken and they were both fiercely committed to each other. They shared almost 34 years of marriage and had lots of fun times, even through adversity. Unfortunately they were unable to have children of their own but they cherished their many nieces and nephews and Paul was very proud to be a godfather to Sarah and Amanda. He loved teaching his young nephews to hunt and fish and all about music. His best little buddy for the last 17 years has been his nephew Sean, who absolutely adored his Uncle Paul. They had a very special bond and shared lots of adventures with memories to last a lifetime.

In 2002 Paul was forced to retire from Sea Lion Technology due to his failing health. He loved his work as a petrochemical Lab Tech and had a wonderful work family at Sea Lion. They genuinely cared about him and took very good care of him.

After retirement, more serious health issues and the loss of his beloved father he made the decision to finally take RCIA courses and convert to Catholicism, something he wanted to do since marrying a Catholic. It was a spiritual and glorious year of classes with the ultimate gift when he was confirmed one year to the day after his father died with his father’s widow (his second mom) Sue up on the altar with him as he had chosen her to be his sponsor/godmother. One of his proudest family moments.

Paul was a kind, brave, strong and remarkable man who never let his life situation consume him. He was always optimistic and looking for ways to enjoy the future. Life was very hard for him but he took it like the champ that he was. He will be eternally loved and missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his father Paul Edward White.

He is survived by his Wife; Janet White, Mother; Ann Patrolia, Stepmother; Sue White, Brothers; Michael White and wife Susan, Scott White, Jake White and wife Carrie, Joe Shipley and wife Becky, Randy Shipley and wife Becky, Sister; Jane Shipley, Brothers-in-law; John Dixon and wife Cindie, Ray Dixon, Sister-in-law Debbie Sloane and husband Jerry, Aunt; Linda Lamb and husband Joe. There are 21 nieces and nephews left to mourn the loss of their beloved Uncle Paul. He is also survived by multiple cousins and many loving and dedicated friends.