Robert “Bob” Wesley White of Butler, Tenn., passed away on the evening of July 18, 2019 following a two-year battle with Stage 4 cancer. He was in his home, surrounded by his beloved mother, sisters, daughter and close family friend. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Bonnie.
Mr. White was born on October 23, 1951 in Memphis, Tenn., the eldest son to Ann White nee Wren and Harvey White. In 1969, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the Army and served honorably while stationed aboard Fort Lewis, achieving the rank of Private First Class. Fort Lewis is where Bob met his wife, Bonnie. They were wed in a Civil Ceremony on January 19, 1971, and they welcomed their first child, Angela Marie, later that year. Their second child, Robert David, was born in 1976. The family lived primarily in Memphis, Tenn., until the early ’90s when they chose to move to North Georgia. They spent a decade living in Georgia before moving to St. Cloud, Fla.
Mr. White worked as a career Iron Worker, and was a member of the Iron Workers Local 808 in Central Florida for more than 15 years. Through his career, Mr. White contributed to iconic architecture and landmarks across Tennessee, Georgia and Florida including the 1996 Olympic Stadium, Atlanta Braves Turner Field, GBI Headquarters, Kennedy Space Center, Disney World, Vanderbilt University and Mary Medical College. Mr. White enjoyed leading his crews of fellow Iron Workers, mentoring union apprentices, and worked for many years alongside his son.
Bob was dedicated to his family in all things. He loved golfing, and spent many days with his granddaughters on the golf course, letting the girls drive the carts and trying to get them to appreciate the sport. He enjoyed for many years a tradition of golfing with his son Rob on Father’s Day at the Royal Saint Cloud Country Club. He was a lover of history documentaries, Memphis barbeque, his wife’s sweet tea and always asked for a German Chocolate Cake on his birthday. He will be remembered by many as “Uncle Bob” and his family is blessed with the memories of his many larger than life stories, jokes and anecdotes.
He was preceded in death by his father, Harvey White; his stepfather, Ted Standard; and his wife, Catherine “Bonnie” White.
He is survived by his mother, Ann Phillips; his siblings, Suzy, Eddie, Jimmy and Crissy; his children, Angela and Robert David; his grandchildren, Kristen, Brandi (Gavin), Taylor and Bailey; his great-grandchild, Beau; and many other members of his extended family.
Memorial services were held Monday, July 22, at 2 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Elizabethton, Tenn.