Millar Barry White Jr.

Millar Barry White Jr. (Bud) died on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Even though he considered himself a native Oklahoman, Bud was born in Springfield, Ohio on March 31, 1928, and moved to Oklahoma at 8 years old when his father was transferred to Oklahoma City as manager for the General Truck Company. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Annette and Millar B. White, Sr., and his older brother, William (Bill) White.

Bud attended Harding Middle School and Classen High School, where he excelled as a student and as an athlete in basketball and baseball. Like his father (and later his older brother), Bud attended Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi, and graduated in 1950 with a degree in Economics. He had many cherished and lifelong friends both from Classen and W&L.

After proudly serving in the US Army for two years, Bud returned to Oklahoma City to begin what would become a lifelong career in the oil business. He began with Skelly Oil, but quickly decided that he preferred being his own boss. After a brief period as an independent landman, Bud started his own land and royalty business which he ran for over 40 years.

While a self-proclaimed bachelor, Bud ultimately met the love of his life, Betsy, and they were happily married for over 49 years. Bud’s quiet demeanor was a perfect complement to Betsy. He was happy to support her in many civic organizations in Oklahoma City. Similarly, while Bud was raised in the Roman Catholic Church, he was a longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church with his wife Betsy.

Bud was a dedicated father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He loved coaching Ann’s softball teams, and was always there on the sidelines to support Ann and her teammates in all sports. He was always patient and kind with children, whether learning a new skill or decorating their bike for the July 4th parade.

After Betsy’s passing in 2017, Bud focused on managing the business and spending quality time with family. In early 2023, Bud moved to Houston to live closer to Ann, Greg and their family. In the two years he lived in Houston, he made many good friends. Among those at his senior living center, Bud was regarded as a “dapper” gentleman, who always wore a sports jacket to dinner or evening events. He was also able to enjoy Sunday dinners with the family, and attend many sporting events at St. John’s school.

The family would like to thank the caregivers who worked with Bud over the last two years. Their dedication, care and support was most appreciated!

He is survived by his three children and their spouses: Susan Harris Edwards (Mike), Robert Graham Harris (Crosby), Ann White Hill (Greg); his 11 grandchildren: Ryan Edwards, Rick Harris, Sam Harris (Nicole), Sheridan Harris Gruber (Rob), Helen Harris Perry (John), Meridith Harris Price (David), Mark Harris, Joe Harris, and Lindsey, Sarah and Katherine Hill; and his 8 great-grandchildren: Alexander Edwards, Henry, Helen and Harry Gruber, Mackie and Frankie Perry, and Lainey and Betsy Price.

A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, with a date to be announced later. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bud’s memory to: The Betsy Douglass and Millar Barry White, Jr. ’50 Scholarship Endowment., Washington and Lee University (https://colonnadeconnections.wlu.edu/donate), 204 W. Washington Street, Development Building, Lexington, VA 24450; or to the Casady School Endowment Fund (www.casady.org), Development Office. 9500 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73120