Ronald D White

Ronnie was a devoted and loving husband to Sandra Faye Craft White for 52 years. They grew up and grew old together, sharing a lifetime of love and friendship. Faye’s devotion to Ronnie during his declining health, is a testimony to the power of love.

Ronnie's greatest legacy is his family, daughter, Kelly White Stokes, son in law, Larry Stokes, and grandsons Joshua and Lucas Stokes all of Pelham, AL. Ronnie and Kelly’s relationship was one of mutual adoration, with daily phone calls and texts. Larry loved and respected Ronnie for the way he handled life and appreciated his example and relationship with the boys.

Ronnie and Faye opened their home and hearts to niece Leiann Craft Cockrell, nephews Michael Craft and Steven Craft after their father passed away, and raised them as their own. Leiann and Curt Cockrell of Mobile, Al., Michael Craft and Allison Bosarge of Irvington, Al, and Steven Craft of Irvington, Al, also mourn the loss of a beloved father figure.

Ronnie’s grandsons were the highlight of his later years. Tears of pride were not uncommon when Ronnie talked about Joshua Stokes and Lucas Stokes of Pelham, AL, Nickolaus Morgan of Irvington, AL, Cameron Cockrell, Cayden Cockrell, and Chase Cockrell of Mobile, AL. He had a gentle way of talking to his Grandsons that always got through to them. The boys will cherish their memories of spending time with and learning from PawPaw.

Ronnie was the seventh of eleven children, and maintained an uncommon closeness with each of his brothers and sisters. He joins his brother James White, sisters Wanda Rose Rowell and Janice Sutton in their heavenly home. He is survived by sisters and brothers in law, Kaci Earline and Richard McDaniel of Dardanelle, AR, Ellen and Ray Cobb of Greenville, GA, Mellisa “Lisa” and Jerry Blackston of Grand Bay, AL., sister Daphne Pittman of Macon, GA, and “sister in love” Amenda White of Social Circle, GA. His surviving brothers and sisters in law include Raydale and Mattie White of Luthersville, GA, Tim and Tammy White of Hillsboro, OR, brother Frank White of Grand Bay, AL, and brother in law Fred Rowell of Seale, AL.

His in laws of 52 years will also mourn the loss of a brother and friend, Elizabeth Woodard of Newell, AL, Harvey and Anita Craft of Ashland, AL, Fred and Cindy Craft of Ashland, AL, Kenneth Craft of Irvington, Al, Bob Craft of Mobile, Al, and Richard Craft of Grand Bay, AL. Inlaws preceding in death: Hilda Nance Craft, Sally and Larry Harris, James Craft, and Wayne Craft.

Ronnie was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. His playfulness, frankness, honesty, and humor were endearing qualities that made him a favorite of many extended family members.

Ronnie had a generous spirit. He gave time and encouragement freely to those he cared for. His kindness inspired the same in others, and in August 2007, Charlotte Beech Lybrand donated a kidney to Ronnie. Her selfless act of love gave Ronnie 14 healthy years with his beloved family and friends.

Ronnie cultivated many friendships during thirty six years of service at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, MS. He remained friends with numerous coworkers from the maintenance department after his retirement.

Ronnie gave his best effort to everything he did. He tackled numerous health problems with resolve to make the best of the situation. He was a hard worker, and expected the same of others. He taught and encouraged everyone he came into contact with and he will be missed dearly.