Gene Thomas White, 50, fought a good fight; he finished his course; he kept the faith. Gene reaped his crown of righteousness promised by the Lord
for his faithfulness in the first hour of April 2, 2017.
Gene, a twin, was born to Eugene and Nancy White, February 21, 1967. He grew up on a farm, loving the land and enjoying all country life had to offer. He learned the value and rewards of hard work, having worked alongside his father and grandfather at a young age on the farm. Both he and his twin, Jeff, were up before daylight and in the fields during the summer months baling hay, tending to cows, or helping prepare machinery for the harvest. Gene was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed a lifelong interest in hunting and fishing. Some of his trophy kills, evident in the mounts in the family home, made for some great stories in family lore.
As Gene grew into a man, he pursued an interest in welding, much to the chagrin of his grandfather who had hoped he and Jeff would follow the family legacy of farming. Gene, being a practical man, had plans for a future with his high school sweetheart, Eden Fouche', and decided to pursue a less financially risky venture in building his life with his bride.
He and Eden married, where they made their lifelong home in Benton, MS for 27 years. Eden and Gene have two children, Hayden White and Devin Che' White. Gene loved and was so proud of both of his children and knew disappointment and sadness in realizing he likely would not get to see them accomplish two important milestones. His daughter, Devin, is marrying the love of her life, Phillip Smith, Saturday. While her dad just missed her wedding by a week, Devin knows he will have the best seat in the house on her wedding day. His son, Hayden, will graduate as a Doctor of Pharmacy in May. While not being here in the physical realm, he died with a great peace and pride in knowing his son reached his vocational goals.
He served on the board at Benton Academy where he, his lovely wife and two children were educated. He was a Benton volunteer fireman. A 32nd degree Mason, Gene exhibited his generosity of spirit in so many philanthropic ways. For years, the Yazoo County Fair was the annual fundraising event for the Shriner's Club on behalf of the Children's Burn Center in Shreveport. Gene was there every night of the fair, cooking hamburgers to sell through the Shriner's concessions. People often said they planned their fair trip around those hamburgers! His good deeds were hardly limited to a once a year pursuit. Gene modeled the meaning of a family man and a good neighbor, always rising to the occasion to help, without hesitation, when the opportunity was available. He knew good works did not make a good man but a good man would make good works. He was proven.
Gene was a 20-year employee at the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Yazoo City, scheduled to reach full retirement in May. He was a Pipefitter supervisor. Gene was also the lead firearms instructor at the prison and was elected by employees as VP of CPL33 where he championed the causes of his fellow employees. A keen sense of right and wrong, exhibited from an early age, guided Gene in his daily decisions, on the job and in life. Inherently wise, a product of a peaceful mind, his advice and counsel were often sought, professionally and personally.
Gene is survived by his wife, Eden, his two children Hayden and Devin, his parents Eugene and Barbara White, his twin brother Jeff and wife Carla, all of Benton. Dale VanGorder and Clair Pierce, step brother and step sister, also survive. He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Dixon White, his maternal grandfather and grandmother, James L. Dixon, Sr. and Lois Dixon. Gene was the paternal grandson of Lonnie and Sue White of Yazoo City who also preceded him in death. He was Uncle Gene to Jordy, Joe and Christina White.
Gene knew at the end of the day, it is all about family and his life reflected that wisdom. What a wonderfully celebrated life he lived and he will be sorely missed by all who loved him.
Services are being coordinated by Stricklin King Funeral home in Yazoo City. Visitation will be Tuesday night, April 4, from 5-7 p.m at the funeral home. The funeral will be held at 11 am. Wednesday, April 5 at the funeral home on Calhoun Avenue in Yazoo City. Burial will follow at Bethany Methodist Church.
