William Otis White

William Otis (W.O.) White, 82, of Roswell, GA passed away on May 25, 2012 after an extended illness consisting of multiple diseases, which he bravely fought with dignity and grace. Bill was born June 15, 1929 in Gordon County, GA to Emory Otis and Mina Moore White. He was preceded in death by both parents as well as his only sibling, Mina Joann Cobb. Bill attended North Fulton High School, Atlanta, GA and completed two years of Management Training at Atlanta Area Tech. Bill had a great love of country, serving in both a military and civilian capacity. On October 31, 1947, he joined the U.S. Army Air Force, receiving his basic training at Lockland Air Force Base, Texas. The balance of his duty was spent in the Philippines on Guam. Defending his position of “peacetime veteran”, he adamantly responded, “Well, those certainly were not coconuts the Japanese were shooting at us!” Upon his discharge in April 1950, he began a civilian career of over 40 years beginning at Atlanta Army Depot, and the Atlanta Post Office. The majority of service was spent with General Services Administration, where he received numerous citations and awards for the successful completion of major projects, which he was assigned: the establishment of two GSA Self Service Stores in Atlanta and Miami, and supervising the closing of the GSA Warehouse for the Southeast Region in Duluth, GA, disposing of all inventory and equipment within the specified time, to name a few. The most significant event of Bill’s life occurred in 1957 at West End Baptist Church, Atlanta, when he became a child of the King, giving his heart and life to Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He became an ordained deacon in 1962. At Sandy Plains Baptist Church, Marietta, Bill was lovingly known as the “Candy Man” by both children and adults alike. His pockets bulged with various candies each week, even sugar free for those needing it. He was Chairman of Building and Grounds for two consecutive terms. When challenged by financial constraints for upgrading landscaping, Bill designed a plan and proposed that members donate funds to purchase plants in honor or in memory of loved ones, then recruited volunteers to plant them. Bill was an active member, serving on multiple committees and church ministries. Upon returning home to First Baptist Church of Roswell, Bill’s heath had begun to decline. He was deeply grieved that he could no longer actively serve. He was a member of the Brantley Seymour Sunday School Class, but has been unable to attend in recent years. Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Frances Kimberly White; daughter, Susan Denise Brooks; son-in-law Roger Brooks, Griffin, GA; Aunt Annie Mae White, Calhoun, GA; and numerous cousins. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at the First Baptist Church of Roswell, prior to the funeral service, which will be immediately following at 12:00 PM. Rev. Jerry Tyler will officiate. Burial will be held at Green Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Roswell, 715 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell, GA 30075, or Altus Hospice, 1 Dunwoody Park, Ste 128, Dunwoody, GA 30338, or The Kidney Foundation. Northside Chapel Funeral Directors and Crematory, Roswell/Alpharetta, is handling arrangements. 770-645-1414.

William Otis White

June 15, 1929 - May 25, 2012