Franklin White, Sr.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.

Deacon Franklin White, Sr., of the Springfield Community, Marianna, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 26, 2018 in Jackson County Hospital, Marianna, FL.

Deacon White was born on November 14, 1938 to the late Matthew James, Sr. and Clotee Gray White in Jackson County, Florida.

He accepted Christ into his life as a youth and joined Springfield African Methodist Episcopal Church in Marianna, Florida.

In 1958, he moved to California where he met his soulmate, the former Emily R. Hall, in 1959.  They were joined in Holy Matrimony in 1960.  Their union was blessed with four children, Terri Ann, Franklin, Jr., Leonard and Trudi Lynn.

Deacon White was an honest and hardworking man who loved to be of service to others. He earned a living and provided for his family by working at Metal Craft Manufacturing in California.  His work day began at 4 AM at the metal factory and continued until 11 PM at his second job, managing a gas station. 

Deacon White’s strong work ethic and industriousness eventually led to him becoming the owner of his own business, Frankie’s Stop & Save Gas Station and Mini-mart in Compton, California.  Deacon White took pride in ownership of “The Station,” and gained satisfaction from providing service and merchandise to his community.  He considered “The Station” a labor of love and an honest living.  He transformed his labor of love into a family affair, inviting daughters, Terri and Trudi, wife Emily, and brother, Donnie to join him in running the family business.  Owning, managing and operating “The Station” was a constancy for Deacon White and it brought him joy just thinking about it. 

In 1996, Deacon White and his wife returned to his roots: his home community of Springfield (Marianna, FL).  Even though he was retired, he remained active working as a long-haul truck driver.  In doing so, he combined business and pleasure, travelling from state-to-state visiting relatives and friends.  

Deacon White had many hobbies, not the least of which was the sport of golf.  Although he never quite achieved the prowess of his favorite golfer, Tiger Woods, he was an avid and enthusiastic player with a mean left-handed swing.  He loved all aspects of the game.  Deacon White also enjoyed hosting family bar-b-ques and pool parties.  He was considered “the king of bar-b-que” and was unmatched at doing laps in the pool of his favorite swim stroke, the dog paddle.  His other hobbies included playing poker for quarters and walking his dogs Wonder Boy and Thunder.  Deacon White absolutely adored Peanut Butter; a simple treat, but a favorite of his that he often enjoyed by the spoonful.

Deacon White was a member of Saint Joseph Lodge #99, PHA Free and Accepted Masonry.

In 2010, Deacon White joined Saint Mary Missionary Baptist Church. His services were in many ministries including serving as a faithful and devoted Deacon.

Deacon Franklin White, Sr., was preceded in death by his parents, his eldest son, Franklin White, Jr., and two sisters, Hillon Waddell and Marianne Barner. 

Deacon White’s memories will remain in the hearts of his loved ones: his wife, Emily R. White; his children: Terri Evans (Cornell), Trudi White-Black (Wendell), and Leonard White; grandchildren: Stephanie, Brandie, Anita, LaDreanna and Kirby Puckett; fifteen great grandchildren; siblings: Cash White, Dee White, Matthew James White, Jr., Harlon White, Donnie White, Blondie Bellamy (William), Gloria White (Robert) and Shirley White; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

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