Obituaries

Tommie Neil White

Photo of Tommie Neil White
Tommie Neil White, age 83, of Benton, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2016, in the care of hospice, after a long battle against a brain tumor. Tommie was born on Jan. 28, 1933 in Mt. Vernon to Tommie and Ellen (Bell) White. Upon his graduation from Mt. Vernon High School in 1951, Tommie joined the Navy and served during the Korean War. He met his wife, Theda, in 1955 in Pat's Café in Benton. He walked in one day and Theda told her mother, I am going to marry that man. They spent more than 60 years devoted to one another. Following his military service, Tommie enjoyed 30+ years working for Alcoa. At the center of Tommie's life was his family. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Never one to meet a stranger, Tommie was always willing to do anything for anyone in need. He believed, above all else, that all people are children of God. Tommie enjoyed being a member of Highland Heights Baptist Church, being outdoors with his grandchildren, and lazy afternoons spent in the front porch swing. Tommie is survived by his loving wife, Theda; his sons, Jesse "Bo" White of Benton and Dale White and his wife, Michelle of Springdale; his grandchildren, Meghan Cressman, Cole Winfield, Garen White, Jesse White and Kyle Winfield; his great-grandchild, Theo Cressman; his sister, Gerry Lynn Cooper of Benton; 11 nephews and two nieces, who are serving as pallbearers. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved daughter, Telisa Winfield of Benton; his grandson, Justin Springston of Fayetteville and his nephew Johnny Cooper of Benton. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, July 26 at 10 a.m. at the Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047) with Pastor Brian Moore officiating. Interment will follow in the Smith-Rosemont Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be on Monday, July 25 from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Saline Memorial Hospice House and Aloca Pines Rehab for providing excellent care. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.

Published July 24, 2016

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