William Warrock White's Obituary
William Warrock (Bill) White passed away June 15, 2018, at his home in Longview, TX. He was just two months short of his 100th birthday. His service will be held at St. Michael & All Angels’ Episcopal Church, Longview, on Saturday, June 23 at 10:00 a.m.
Bill was born in Rosebud, Texas, but moved to Tulsa, OK when he was seven. Upon graduating high school in Tulsa, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from the University of Cincinnati. After graduating he joined the Navy and rose to the rank of Lt. Commander. Shortly after he left the Navy he married Mary Augusta Grimes. Bill and Mary raised three children in Tulsa; she died in 1970. He later married Jean Preiss and adopted her son. Bill and Jean celebrated forty-eight wonderful years together.
Bill was a Registered Professional Engineer who had a long career with Amoco Pipeline, first in Tulsa with Service Pipeline Company, and later traveling for Amoco as a Project Engineer and Construction Manager.
He returned to his Texas roots when he and Jean retired in Longview and he dedicated himself to church work in the healing ministry. This was Bill’s calling and he was truly a leader and organizer. He was Order of St. Luke’s affiliated, and a Eucharistic Visiting (Lay) Minister licensed by the Episcopal Church. He was on-call 24/7 to counsel, pray, serve communion, listen, and encourage those in need. He did visitation at both Longview hospitals to pray with those facing surgery and illness. He also organized and sponsored healing conferences three times a year which drew large crowds. And he was involved for many years with Meals-on-Wheels.
Bill truly lived life to the fullest with his many friends and diverse interests. He traveled to all corners of the world, documenting these wonderful trips with amazing photographs. He was also an accomplished cook and loved to share his creations. He was an avid reader, golfer, bridge player and collector of antiques. And, he loved to follow the fortunes of his favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys. He set an amazing example of “life-long learning,” in a changing world around him, by keeping up with the latest technology developments well into his 90’s. He taught his children to tell the truth, work hard and be thrifty. He touched lives and hearts and helped many build new family legacies; he will truly be missed.
Bill is survived by his wife, Jean and 4 children: Gerald White (Shirley) of Chicago, IL, Claudia White Fritts of Tulsa, OK, William B. White of Mexia, TX, and Jess White (Debbie) of Leavenworth, KS; seven grandchildren: Chris White, Richard White, Jackie Marquez, Mike Fritts, David Fritts, Stewart White and Lindsey White; ten great-grandchildren, and his beloved God-children.
The family wants to thank his caregivers, especially his dear friend Pam Eernisse, whose love and devotion have meant the world and provided invaluable comfort and peace to Bill, Jean and the entire family
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