Charles William White

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Charles was born on September 28, 1937, in Wilsonville, AL, to Thomas Gordy (Jack) White and Sadie Gould White. He faced an early loss when his mother passed away when he was three. He was lovingly raised in Columbiana, AL, by his maternal grandparents, Herbert Loftin and Rose Ella Gould. As a young boy, Charles worked alongside his grandfather, helping to operate the Grist Mill in Columbiana. Following his grandparents’ passing, he was welcomed and raised by his maternal aunt, Willie B. Gould Bragg, whom he cherished as his adoptive mother for the rest of her life.

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On April 29, 1961, Charles married the love of his life, Alsie Washburn, in a small ceremony at Parker Memorial Baptist Church. They shared 63 years of beautiful partnership, marked by devotion, shared adventures, and unwavering commitment to family and community service, until her passing on January 5, 2024.

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Charles proudly served his country in the U.S. Army at Fort Benning, GA, from 1962 to 1964. Upon returning home, he began his career in public service with the Anniston Rescue Squad. In 1972, he joined the Anniston Police Department as a Communications Officer. In 1981, he transitioned to the Security Police at Anniston Army Depot (AAD), where he dedicated himself until his retirement in 2001. A talented marksman, Charles served on the AAD Marksmanship Team, traveling to numerous depots around the country and consistently bringing home both team and individual trophies.

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A man known for his relentless work ethic, Charles was never one to sit still and always strove to provide for his wife, daughter, and grandchildren. Beyond his core career, he maintained several decades-long endeavors, including operating a dry cleaning and laundry pickup and delivery route through Mallory Cleaners and installing custom blinds and draperies for local decorators, notably Triplett’s Paint and Decorating. He also served as Security at Anniston Memorial Hospital (now Northeast AL Regions Medical Center) for over a decade.

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His commitment to community was evident in his active involvement with the Saks Volunteer Fire Department. He was deeply involved in his daughter’s life, serving as President of the Saks High School Band Boosters Club (managing the concession stand at Jack Stewart Field and traveling with the band to games and competitions), and was honored by the Cottaquilla Council as an honorary Girl Scout.

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Beyond his professional and family life, Charles was a long-time, dedicated member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #4 in Weaver, AL. He served for many years as Trustee and represented Lodge #4 at numerous state and national conventions. He was proud of his service to the FOP, considering his time at the Lodge some of the best days of his life. He was honored twice with the Ralph Phillips Service Award (2001 and 2009.)

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Charles is survived by his beloved daughter, Angel White Harris (Joe) of Sylacauga, AL. He was a very proud grandfather to Kelsey Lee and Garrett Lee of Hiram, GA; Katie Lee of Anniston, AL; and adopted granddaughter Kara Walton (Grace) of Gadsden, AL. He also leaves behind two sisters, Bille Anne White Usry of Baytown, TX, and Joyce Bragg Crumley (Lamar) of Anniston, AL; and brothers-in-law Wandell Tebo (Terri) of Anniston, AL, and Bobby Washburn (Sue) of Hokes Bluff, AL. Special loved ones who will cherish his memory include Ed and Margaret Thacker of Fort Payne, AL; Jim and Becky Small of Oneonta, AL; and Teri Simoni (Scott) of Griffin, GA, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

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He was preceded in death by his wife, Alsie; a niece, Leslie Tebo; his parents, Thomas and Sadie White; and his adoptive mother, Willie B. Gould Bragg.

A memorial service will be held Sunday. November 2nd from 12pm to 4pm at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #4 at 531 FOP Lodge Road Weaver AL 36277.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local animal shelter. AL.