Charles W. White passed away on October 30, 2018, at his home. Charles was born January 29, 1929, in Itawamba County to Elvin and Lucille White. Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Loyce White, his former wife Leta White and their son Bobby Horn. He is survived by his wife Tina White of Saltillo; his great-grandsons, Mitchell and Ryan Bennett of Saltillo whom he and Tina raised; a sister, Joyce Vinson of Saltillo; his sons, Charles M. White (Laurie) of Madison, AL, Jonathan White (Angela) of Madison, MS, Kevin White of Tupelo. His daughters, Leslie Johnson (Gary) of Canton, MS and Andi Nolan (Andy Pearson) of Tupelo; 13 grandchildren, 4 other great-grandchildren and a former wife, Charlene Fulghum.
Charles had three professions as an adult. He was a movie theater projectionist and assistant manager at the 78 Drive In Theater and the Tupelo Theater on Main Street. His second career was air conditioning, heating, and appliance repair and installation. Charles had his own repair and installation business and later worked for Sears as the repair operation manager. His real calling seemed to have been raising a family and children and taking care of them. Charles was not a parent who hovered over his children and did their work. He was a parent who guided his children and inspired them to always put forth an honest effort and expected them to make good choices. His children were apprenticed as helper in his careers and taught the satisfaction of doing a good job.
Charles was on the basketball and wrestling teams at Belden High School. As an adult, he enjoyed extended family vacations at Sardis with waterskiing and fishing. When he was older he enjoyed fishing with his father. And of course, he loved Western movies on TV and listening to Johnny Cash. Although Charles was not necessarily a fan of the song “My Way”, Charles could certainly be credited for having lived his life to the best of his own personal judgment, and thankfully that judgment was sound, honest and fair.
Charles belonged to the Belden Methodist Church and had served there as a deacon.
Services will be 1 PM Friday, November 2, 2018, at Lee Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Danny Wilburn officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be 11 – 1 Friday. Lee Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
