He enjoyed working in his yard and his garden and was a tug boat captain for many years with Southern Materials, Lonestar, Tarmac Lonestar and Vulcan Materials.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Bessie White; sister, Phyllis Boyd; brother, Norman; mother, Mary; father, Conroy; son, Phillip White, Jr.; grandson, Robert; and brother-in-law, Donald Boyd, Sr.
He is survived by his children, Robert Powell (Linda Gammon) and Melvin White, Sr. (Harriet); grandchildren, Melvin White, Jr., Rabecca White, Tara Shelly, Madison Franks, Jimmy Maxey, Jennifer Garretson, Christina Powell, Carly Williams, Summers Groves and Jarrett Groves; and nieces, Linda Kay Beecher (Edwin), Brenda Oldham (John), Sandra Williams and Mary Frances Frank.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, October 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, VA 23231 where a funeral service will be held Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 2 p.m.
Interment will follow at Washington Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be made at www.nelsenrichmond.com.
