Dr. James Francis "Buddy" White

Dr. James Francis “Buddy” White died peacefully in Pensacola, Florida on Friday, January 9, 2016 at the age of 81. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Alvyn Waverly White, his mother, Annelu Purifoy White, and his brother, Dr. Alvyn Waverly White, Jr.

Buddy is survived by his wife, Trudy Furney White; children, James Timothy White, Sr., Christopher Miller White, and Leslie Summer White Wang; daughter-in-laws Ashley Lynn Schaefer White and Angie Gaudet White, a son-in-law Matthew Paul Wang; grandchildren, James Timothy White, Jr, Audrey Lauren White and Malia Angela White, and cocker spaniel Dr. Pepper.

Buddy was born in Pensacola on October 30, 1934. His brother Al gave him the nickname “Buddy” that not only stuck for 81 years, but also described who he was to many people. As part of a family tradition he attended Sewanee Military Academy where he was a championship swimmer and boxer, and graduated in 1951. He received his bachelors’ degree from the University of Florida, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After college he joined the Navy, was accepted to Naval Officer Candidate School at Rhode Island and was commissioned as a Naval Ensign in May 1957. He volunteered for Explosive Ordinance Disposal and served as a Navy Diver and EOD Officer on the USS Sturdy (MSO-494). In his three years of service as a Navy “Frogman” he traveled across Europe and the Mediterranean and had many adventures.

Just like Sewanee, medicine was also a family tradition. His grandfather J. George White was a pharmacist in Pensacola. His father was the first Pediatrician in Pensacola and a founder of the Medical Center Clinic. His brother was the first Pediatric Cardiologist in Pensacola. In 1960, he was accepted to the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. And during his physical exam the doctor asked about his family. After Buddy told him that both his father and brother were pediatricians, the doctor said, “So you are breaking with family tradition.” And Buddy replied, “No Sir, I’m only bending it a little bit.” Buddy then went on to complete an internship and residency program for Pediatric Dentistry. He started his own practice in 1967, and was the first children’s dentist in Pensacola. Over the 49 years he practiced, he saw multiple generations of patients and even treated the great grandchildren of some of his early patients. His passion and specialty was children with special needs and disabilities. Buddy, also known as Dr. White, continued to see patients until days before his passing

In his younger years, he was renown for being a great dancer, an accomplished artist, a water ski instructor, and a guy who knew how to have a great time. He loved to play golf, was a member of Pensacola Country Club, and had a remarkable five hole-in-ones in his lifetime. The years in dental school at the University of Alabama, and his admiration of Coach Bryant made him a die-hard Alabama fan. Roll Tide!

James F. White, DMD, was a true gentleman and a man who always went his own way. He was a loving father and husband, a loyal friend, and a pillar of the Pensacola community. His senior quote in the Sewanee yearbook was “If you cannot win make the winner break the record”. And, he often said “do your best, angels can do no better”. He wanted the best for everyone, for everyone to be their best, and to leave things better than they were before.

No services are scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart. Donations can be made by calling 850-416-4660 or visiting www.sacred-heart.org/foundation.