Robert Otis White

Robert Otis White, a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather, died peacefully surrounded by family Tuesday morning, October 30, 2018, at the age of 80. His family and friends will miss his kind heart and his enthusiastic zest for life. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Robert was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on July 14, 1938, to the late Henry Otis White and Francis Burt White and had two younger sisters, Nancy and Jane. Robert was known as “Quail” in his youth, as “Bob” to most and as “Poppy” to his grandchildren. Bob had an appetite for knowledge and was exceptionally well read. He graduated from Baton Rouge High School and furthered his education, obtaining a BA in Fine Arts from LSU, an MA in Creative Photography from the University of Iowa, a BA in Education from LSU and an MFA from LSU. Bob was married to Terrie Taylor White for 46 years. They were the proud parents of three children. Bob appreciated the beauty of the world around him. For years, summers were spent camping all over the country, from the beaches to the mountains. They eventually moved to and spent fifteen years in scenic Wyoming where his love of books led him to own a small bookstore. He enjoyed sharing coffee and conversation with customers, many of which became friends. He had an amazing vocabulary and any conversation you engaged him in you can bet would be entertaining and spirited for sure. Bob loved the beauty in the world, naturally occurring and man-made. He revered and appreciated landscapes, architecture, art, literature, and music, particularly Jazz. He enjoyed art and photography, crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy and sports, especially LSU and the Saints. He loved animals and children and had a special gentle manner in which he interacted with them. Probably one of his greatest joys was sharing the gift of art with his students in Wyoming and in McKinley High School’s Gifted & Talented Program, watching them grow and realize their potential as artists. Above all else, Bob loved his family. Bob is preceded in death by his parents. Bob is survived by his wife, Terrie Taylor White; his sisters, Nancy Thomas and husband, Fred, and Jane Gillis and husband, Mark; his children, Ramsay and Kevin Gordon, Matthew White, Maggie McCann and husband, Jamal, and Sarah White; his nine grandchildren, Jennifer and Jared, Taylor and Riley, Hannah, Lily and Violet, Eli and Kaitlyn; as well as his wonderful nieces and nephews. Special thanks to everyone who has offered love, prayers and support; to his nurse Danica who made a very difficult time easier for Bob and his family; to Samantha for being a shoulder to lean on; and to Nancy and Shannon for being there day and night at his bedside to love and comfort him.