House Resolution 85

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF EDUCATOR, COMMUNITY SERVANT AND FRIEND, WILLIAM C. WHITE, SR., OF ATTALA COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXTENDING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, William C. White, Sr., an educator, community servant and friend of Attala County, Mississippi, departed this earthly life on February 22, 2013, at the blessed age of 91, to enter into eternal rest, causing great sorrow and loss to his family and many friends; and

WHEREAS, born in Attala County on September 23, 1921, to Henry and Irene White, Mr. White graduated from Attala County Training School, Jackson State University, Bradley University, and acquired further studies at Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, early in his life, Mr. White began to show a love for the Lord and dedicated his life to the work of his Heavenly Father; and

WHEREAS, he decided to join the military, and just prior to entering military service, the Lord blessed what would become a 62-year union of marriage to Christine Hill White, and God blessed them with four sons, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, while in the military, Mr. White did not let the segregation and discrimination of the time hold him back, and by God's grace he became one of the first Blacks to become a seaman in the United States Navy; and

WHEREAS, he received his military training in Great Lakes, Illinois, from 1943-1944, and he was shipped to the Navy Training Station in Charleston, South Carolina, where he was an armed serviceman (Shore Patrol); and

WHEREAS, from there he went to Virginia and then to Pearl Harbor where he became one of the first Blacks to fight, and later he went to Guam and the Marianna Islands in the Pacific, where he became one of the first Blacks to be promoted to petty officer; and

WHEREAS, Mr. White's military and academic training helped develop his skills as a teacher, which was a call from God, so following the voice of God he began teaching at Tipton High School in 1954; and

WHEREAS, after teaching for 17 years, the Lord blessed him to become one of the first Black principals in the Kosciusko School System, and he spent 17 years as a coprincipal during the time when segregation was ending and assimilation of the schools was beginning; and

WHEREAS, this was a difficult time for many people and nothing could be compared to it, and Mr. White expressed his feeling about it stating, "Being in the service was much easier than being a principal. There were many obstacles I had to overcome, being the first Black principal. But you know it was a job."; and

WHEREAS, William C. White, Sr., was a pillar in his community for many years and the fruits of his labor have paid off, having served in many different aspects of society as his awards reflect, serving on the Board of Education for the Kosciusko Public School District and receiving the Certificate of Appreciation from the School Board, Certificate of Appreciation from the Bobcats, Humanitarian Award, Masonic Award, Personalities of the South Award, Jackson National Alumni Award and an Outstanding Achievement Award from the mayor; and

WHEREAS, he was one of the founders of the "CLUB," a social organization that consisted of black men and white men coming together to find a way to tear down racial barriers, and he served at Christian Liberty Missionary Baptist Church as Chairman of the Deacons, a member of the building committee, superintendent of Sunday School, trustee, and a member of the Senior Choir for many years; and

WHEREAS, Mr. White loved children and cared about their futures, showing his concern by generously paying their tuition to college, making sure they had a ride to get there, and he often shared stories about some of his students who are now attending church as adult members; and

WHEREAS, he was a God-fearing man who had great love for the Lord, his family, his church, his pastor, his community, and the duties that were set before him, and he was well-known in the community as a respectful businessman; and

WHEREAS, Mr. White was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Christine Hill White; sons, William II, and Bryant White; granddaughter, Jean Ann White; parents, Henry and Irene White; sisters, Ella Mae Cross and Hattie Jones; and brothers, Earlean and Christopher Columbus White; and

WHEREAS, although Mr. White has now made life's great transition into immortality, the rich legacy of family and community devotion will be forever and indelibly etched into the hearts and memories of his loving survivors, including: his sons, Clinton and Troy White; sister, Imogene Phillips; brother, James Davis White; grandchildren, William III, Tamekia, Chrisangie, Clint, Courtney, Troy Jr., and Theron; great-grandchildren, Kayanna, Amaris, Dimya, Liyah, Clinecia, Christian, Calese Theron Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life and legacy of the sons of Mississippi, such as Mr. White, who devoted their lives to its betterment and who touched the lives of countless individuals in their community and in this great state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and legacy of Mr. William C. White, Sr., of Attala County, Mississippi, a dedicated family man as well as a great educator, community servant and friend, and express deepest sympathy to his family and many friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. White and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.