Gary White

Gary E. White, age 80, passed away on Friday, December 3, 2021. His family takes great comfort in being beside him when he passed into the presence of his Lord Jesus Christ. Gary was born in Brighton, Colorado to Elbert and Loretta White.

Education was a major part of Gary’s life. He attended Brighton High School, received a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Colorado, a Masters degree from the University of Illinois, and his PhD in Business with a focus on Accounting from the University of Washington. A bonus during his time as an undergrad at the University of Colorado was meeting Peggy his beloved wife of 56 years.

Gary began his career in academia in 1970 as a member of the University of Colorado’s Accounting faculty. In 1979, Gary, Peggy and family, moved to Lubbock, Texas when he accepted the position of Director of Accounting Programs at Texas Tech University. Gary retired in 1999 after 20 years of leading the Accounting Department and serving on the business school faculty.

Upon retirement, Gary applied his enjoyment and expertise in tax preparation to service to others as an AARP volunteer tax preparer. Gary also served as a retiree volunteer for many years with his wife at the White Elephant thrift store in Green Valley, Arizona. The Elephant’s mission is to raise money for the financial aid of other charitable groups and educational programs in the area.

Gary was a devout Christian. He served in several Lutheran congregations in many capacities. His last role was as member of the Endowment Fund Committee at the Church of the Risen Savior in Green Valley.

He was an avid golfer spending many happy times on the golf course with friends and family. Gary came from a musical family. He played clarinet in the University of Colorado marching band and was a fan of jazz, specifically of the great clarinetist Pete Fountain whose music he took comfort in during his final days. Gary greatly enjoyed spending time with his kids and seven grandchildren who he loved dearly and found very entertaining.

Gary is survived by wife Peggy White, Son Craig White, Son & Daughter-in-law Jeff & Heidi White, and Daughter Wendy White. His parents preceded him in death.

A private memorial service will be held at Crown of Life Lutheran Church on Tuesday, December 7th. An interment service will take place at Sunset Memorial Park cemetery in San Antonio, Texas at a later date. Friends and loved ones who would like to honor Gary’s memory are encouraged to make a donation to Shriners Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or any other charitable organization.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com for the WHITE family.