Gordon A. White

WHITE, Gordon A., age 88 of Beavercreek, passed away Tuesday, May 24 at Soin Medical Center. Big Gord, as he was known to many, was born in Old Forge, NY on August 27, 1927 to the late Joseph White and Elizabeth (Goff) White.

He was preceded in death by Pearl White, his wife of 65 years, and siblings Jim White, Ken White, Gladis White, and Katharine Weber.

Gordon is survived by siblings Alfred White, Liz Niemetz, and Terry Ibbotson; two sons Gary White and partner Kathleen Freshley and Gordon White Jr. and wife Mary Jo White.

One of Big Gord’s greatest joys in his life was watching his grandchildren, who are Shawn White and wife Abbey White, Chad White and wife Lyndsay White, Brandon White (deceased), Ashley White, Peyton White and great-grandchildren Natalie, Bella, and Tobin.

Gordon moved to Utica, NY where he first met his beloved wife, Pearl. They were separated by his service of 2 years with the United States Navy during World War II. Gordon and Pearl kept in touch through letters and upon his return were married on June 14, 1947. They began their lives working for the Federal government, where Gordon worked as a Budget Analyst. Their jobs led them to Rome, NY; Sacramento, CA; and eventually Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Beavercreek, OH, where they remained until their retirement in 1986. After retirement they enjoyed splitting their time between their home in Long Boat Key, FL and their family in Beavercreek, OH. Their love for their family eventually brought them back to Beavercreek, OH full time to participate in the lives of their grandchildren.

Throughout their lives, Gordon and Pearl were true examples of people who lived life to the fullest. They spent the majority of their time with family and close friends playing games, throwing dinner parties, attending their grandchildren’s sporting events, and making people laugh.

After the loss of his wife, Big Gord found his life changing. He passed time by watching sports on TV and reading the Dayton Daily News cover to cover, making sure to educate his family on all current events. He also enjoyed his weekly phone calls to best friends Ray and Stella Morris in Old Forge, NY and his brother Alfred White in Utica, NY. One activity that gave him the greatest joy was going to dinner at The Paragon with his family where he enjoyed his “tranquilizer” (Manhattan) and Ribeye while entertaining his grandchildren and their wives with stories of the past. He also looked forward to his visits from his “angel” Jo (Mary Jo), who cared for him daily.

At Big Gord’s request, a private memorial service will be held at Tobias in Beavercreek. Big Gord loved to sneak the family dog Blizzard treats. For this reason, contributions in Big Gord’s memory can be made to the Humane Society of Greene County 187 Bellbrook Rd., Xenia, OH 45385. Please note that your gift is in honor of Gordon White, Sr. Condolences for the family can be made at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.