Van H. White

Van H. White, 82, of Little Rock, went to be with our Heavenly Father on April 1, 2013. He was born in Little Rock on December 22, 1930 to Harold G. and Willie Haller White and was a member of Winfield United Methodist Church. He graduated with honors from North Little Rock High School in 1948 and played the trumpet in the high school band. He started his college education at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and continued at the College of the Ozarks before entering the University of Arkansas School of Pharmacy, earning his Pharmacy degree in 1953. Van filled countless prescriptions and provided medical advice to his loyal customers at various pharmacies. He opened his own business, Frick's Drug Store in October, 1966. He retired in 1985 from Magic Mart Pharmacy. In the fall of 1954, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and was on active duty until 1956-which included a year in Germany in service as a medic-followed by his discharge in August of 1962. Van dearly loved his family. He always made it clear to his children that they could come to him with any question or problem, no matter the subject. He would listen patiently and give the best answer or advice he knew. He taught his children the importance of God, work ethics, responsibility and honesty. As a parent, he learned from his mistakes and was never ashamed to apologize when he knew he was wrong. He loved all animals and was known to feed stray cats, raccoons, squirrels and opossum that would venture into his yard. Just several months ago, he took in a stray pregnant cat. He kept the mother cat and her babies and made sure they were all spayed and neutered. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lowell White; dear friend, Judy Boullioun; and his very, very special dog companion, Charlie. He is survived by his children, Pam Mills (Rickey), Jeanie Wright (Mike) and Hal White (Tara). He is also survived by his former wife and mother of their children, Mary Ellen Finger White. He cherished his eight grandchildren, Tony, Alicia, Erica, Sarah, Kathryn, Haleigh, Blaykleigh and Victoria, and his three great-grandchildren, Riley, Reece and Sage. Visitation will be Thursday, April 4 from 6-8 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). Graveside services will be Friday, April 5 at 11 a.m. at Roselawn Memorial Park in Little Rock, officiated by Rev. Anne Holcomb. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church's Pet Food Ministry or the Humane Society of Pulaski County. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Mr. White's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.