Thomas Bedford White, known by most as Buddy, passed Wednesday morning October 25, 2023, at his home on his family farm surrounded by loved ones.
Buddy was born July 27, 1954, the oldest of three children of the late Charles and Zilla White. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle, and dear friend to many. Buddy brought an abundance of joy and magic to his family, especially his wife and grandchildren.
Following his graduation from Northside High School, Buddy attended Lambuth University earning his Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1975. He then continued his education earning his Masters degree in education at Memphis State in 1990.
Buddy was a beloved citizen of Jackson, Tennessee. Throughout his life, Buddy served his community in many ways. He was employed by the Jackson-Madison County School System for over 30 years. Among his many roles he served as teacher, principal, and superintendent. After retiring from the school system, Buddy joined TLM as an educational facilities consultant.
He was a longtime member of Browns Church where he raised his children, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. Many children have fond memories of Buddy’s Sunday morning children’s sermons. Buddy served on many non-profit boards and in volunteer capacities for local organizations, including for Regional Inter-Faith Association (RIFA), Lakeshore Camp & Retreat Center, and the STAR Center.
Buddy was an avid gardener with a green thumb and an eye for landscape design. He especially found joy in gardening when joined by his wife and grandchildren. His yard was filled with beautiful flowers each year and was a sought-after venue for many weddings, receptions, parties, children’s field trips, and photographers. Most of all, Buddy loved any occasion to be with his family, whether it was on one of many trips to visit his children, entertaining in his home, on a quiet beach in Fort Morgan, Alabama, or one of the numerous trips to St. Louis to see the Cardinals play. His family and friends are blessed with many cherished memories of times together.
Buddy White was an amazingly warm and loving person who endeavored to walk in faith, kindness, and community with all he met.
Buddy is survived by his wife, Mary Hansen Hiscox White of Jackson, TN, two sons Charles Thomas ‘Tom’ White and his wife Christy of Columbia, SC, Patrick Hamilton White and his wife Leah of Olympia, WA, daughter Elizabeth Bedford White Kaufman and her husband Jacob of Columbus, OH, sister Susan Charles White Montgomery and her husband Dan of Jackson, TN, and nine grandchildren Claire Montgomery Kaufman, William Bedford ‘Ford’ White, Caroline Eaves Kaufman, Mary Joan Kaufman, Charles Alexander ‘Alex’ White, Theo Hamilton White, Jonathan Russell White, Macie Lane White, and Elizabeth Laura ‘Elle’ Kaufman. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Alexander White, mother, Zilla Marie Eaves White, and sister Kathy Novella White Travers.
SERVICE: The family will be receiving friends Saturday, October 28th at Arrington Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 29th at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Brown’s Church; Rev. Gary Lawson will be officiating. Burial will follow at Brown’s Church Cemetery.
Those serving as pallbearers will be Tom White, Patrick White, Jacob Kaufman, Jonathan Mullikin, Bob Mullikin, Stephen Hiscox, and Woody Tatman. Honorary pallbearers are Gary Payton, George Hiscox, John Hiscox, Ford White, Alex White, Theo White, Russell White, Elliot Hiscox.
The family has requested any memorial contributions should go to Regional Inter-Faith Association (RIFA), 133 Airways Blvd., Jackson, TN 38301, Brown’s Church, 181 McLeary Rd, Jackson TN 38305, Lakeshore Camp & Retreat Center, 1458 Pilot Knob, Eva, TN 38333, or United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Building A, Suite 1, Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305, 731.668.1111
