Phil White

Brentwood, TN—Phil “Pops” White passed away on December 23, 2022, at the age of 75. He was born in Algood, TN to Dorothy Nell White and James Dillard White, both of whom predeceased him. He is survived by his wife Brenda Poland White and two daughters Ashley Gordon and Laura Tracy (Dustin). He was a proud Pops to four grandchildren: Sadie Gordon (15), Brooke Gordon (13), Jack Tracy (7), and John Davis Tracy (4).

He attended Harriman High School where he developed his love of music as a trumpet player in the band. It was there that he met the love of his life Brenda. He went on to study at Austin Peay State University where he earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Education.

He started his career as an educator at Greenwood Junior High School in Clarksville, TN, where he was revered by many students as an Earth Science teacher for ten years. Afterward, he would continue his passion for education by going on to start Tennessee’s first Adult Education program.

During his time with the state he became Assistant Commissioner of Adult Education in Labor and Workforce Development, where he impacted the lives of many through his dedication to the adult learner. He was a titan in state government where he developed and guided the program with a steady hand of fairness, dignity, and respect through many ebbs and flows in state government. His dedication was awarded with an invitation to the White House to meet with President Bill Clinton, and even resulted in a personal visit by Barbara Bush.

Among the many awards received while serving in Adult Education, the most prestigious award was the Sequoyah Award from the Tennessee State Library Association for his contributions helping adults who struggled to read. He received an honorary Doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee for his exemplary work in establishing the first state Adult Education program. While he received many awards through his work at the state, he will mostly be remembered by how he made others feel.

Phil was a true friend to many. He truly saw people and made them feel seen, leading with kindness and empathy, and never gave up on people. He was patient and always treated people with respect, reminding others that you truly never know what someone is going through and lead with kindness. He took care of people and didn’t let others give up on themselves.

He was known in the community as an avid supporter of Brentwood High School athletics, where he received an award at a BHS Baseball Banquet for being Brentwood’s number one fan. His love of sports was then carried out through his grandchildren where he never missed a game.

Pops was revered most of all by his grandkids and was a permanent figure on the sidelines at many soccer games, bowling matches, basketball games, baseball games, volleyball games, and could also be found holding a phone up to record every note played at orchestra concerts. They were his pride and joy and kept him very busy in retirement, just the way he wanted it. He was a constant presence in their lives and told them every night that he loved them and was proud of them. There was never a doubt in their hearts that he loved them deeply.

He and Brenda never wasted a single minute and seized every opportunity to travel on many adventures together. Many years were spent traveling to Gatlinburg, TN and Destin, FL on family vacations, but most recently they enjoyed cruising to the Caribbean Islands. Their love was evident in the way he kept Brenda laughing for 47 years. They were the best of friends and there was truly never a dull moment between them.

He was full of compassion and good will and it was so easy to love him back. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Those wishing to give may consider giving to one of his favorite places in lieu of flowers: The Brentwood Public Library, 8109 Concord Road, Brentwood, TN 37027, 615-371-0090; Brentwood High School Athletics, 5304 Murray Lane, Brentwood, TN 37027, 615-472-4220.

A Celebration of Phil’s life will be on Monday, January 9th, with a visitation starting at 1:30 p.m. and a service to follow at 3:00 p.m. from the Brentwood United Methodist Church, 309 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027. Rev. Casey Orr will officiate.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Brentwood-Roesch-PattonFuneralHome.com for the White family.