Basil was born September 29, 1973, in Fort Stockton, Texas, to Gordon and Billie Sue White.
He is survived by his mother, Billie Sue White, of Tucson, Arizona; uncle, John C. Slaton (Maureen) of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and a number of other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon White, and grandparents, Maye and Robert Baker, Monroe Carlyle Slaton, and Thomas and Emma White.
Basil graduated from Amphi High School in Tucson, Arizona. He received a B.A. Degree in History/Political Science from Arizona State University. He also attended Pima Medical Institute.
Basil was an extremely talented writer. At the time of his passing, his publisher was awaiting his final revision of a text/reference book of all the movies, television series, and documentaries that have been made to date related to the American Civil War.
One of his greatest passions was his dogs, especially his last two, Han and Leia (named after Han Solo and Princess Leia of the Star Wars movies). Basil shared an indescribable love and bond with Han and Leia. He always took them on his many trips across the United States.
Basil had an incredible love and knowledge of music- all kinds. He especially enjoyed attending concerts of bands from the 1980's and 90s who have been touring the past few years and getting to meet some of the members personally. Some he had seen several decades ago.
He also enjoyed watching movies, especially old ones with stars Ida Lapino, Jane Bryant, Bette Davis, Sterling Hayden, Edward G. Robinson, and George Brent. His absolute favorites were Stanley Laurel and Oliver Hardy (the comedy team Laurel & Hardy of the 1920's-30s). Of the more recent films, he especially enjoyed ones with Emily Blunt, Tom Cruise, Bruce Willis, Mark Wahlberg, and Brad Pitt.
Basil loved to travel and had been in 39 states. He enjoyed the ocean beaches. However, as a historian, his primary focus was on the American Revolution and the Civil War. He toured the famous National Military Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Cemeteries, Markers, and Museums, as well as numerous lesser known sites. He visited dozens of homes of presidents, military leaders, and other significant participants of these time periods. Basil took thousands of pictures and made hundreds of pages of notes, documenting every place he visited. Wherever dogs were allowed, Han and Leia were always at his side.
Several years ago Basil founded a Family Group of his maternal grandparents’ families. Through his efforts and dedication, he has reunited families who have not seen or heard from each other in decades. His research enabled him to document births, marriages, and deaths for the past five generations, and his frequent posts allow family members to acknowledge these events. God has truly used Basil to "open doors" to bring families together again.
Basil was the most wonderful son any parent could ever hope to have. His love, kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, and tolerance of others were evident to everyone who knew him. He was truly a gift from God, and I am so blessed, honored, and thankful to be his mother.
Basil surrendered his heart to Jesus Christ when he was a young boy, and his hope and faith never wavered. His testimony and witness to others helped them to realize they needed a Savior and that there was a better, everlasting life awaiting them.
Basil will truly be missed by everyone who loved or knew him.
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