Leonard White

Leonard White, 85, of Wynne, died Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at his home. Leonard was born on March 23, 1925, in Vardaman, Mississippi to C.M. and Gertha White. He attended schools in Bruce, Mississippi and after graduation, he entered the United States Army in 1943. A machine gunner in the 2nd Infantry, he was part of the third wave of the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France at Omaha Beach, and was one of three survivors of his 15-man unit outside of St. Lo, France. As a result of injuries received there, he was awarded a Purple Heart for his military service. In 1947, Leonard and his wife, Geraldine, moved to Wynne, where he and his brother, J.C., established their grocery business, in which he worked until he retired. As a 64-year resident of Wynne, he was an active member of the Wynne Lion's Club, Wynne Baptist Church, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War, and a lifetime member of the Disabled Veteran's Association. He loved to work in his yard, spend time with his family, and enjoyed his involvement in church and civic activities. He especially loved visiting with his many friends in Wynne. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. Survivors are his loving wife of 69 years, Geraldine, daughters Pam Williams (Jim) of Hot Springs Village and Linda Werner (Dr. Richard) of Houston, Texas, and sons, Dr. Ronald White (Teresa) of Russellville and Dr. Donald White (Dianne) of Daytona Beach, Florida, grandchildren, Carrie Williams Sharp, Scott Williams, Tiffany White Fontenot, Jeremy White, Jessica Werner, Jennifer Walker, Erika Werner Brosnan, Ryan White, Tera Shea White Dacus, and Devyn Werner, and nine great-grandchildren, He is survived by his brother J.C, sisters Glenda Tarver and Myra Simmons, brother-in-law, James Faust and sister-in-law, Jimmie Mae Osborne. Visitation is Thursday, March 17, 5-7 p.m. at Kernodle Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at Wynne Baptist Church, Friday, March 18, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at the Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery at North Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery at Birdeye, c/o Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72120, or the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention c/o Wynne Baptist Church, P.O. Box 874, Wynne, Arkansas 72396.