It is with great sadness that the family of Gene Terry White announce his passing due to an unexplained event, occurring on January 04, 2019. Following extended, compassionate care from staff at Bronson Methodist Nero Critical Care unit, Gene passed into Glory on January 09, 2019 Gift of Life members were asked to facilitate donations to several recipients, allowing our loved one to live on in others.
Gene is survived by his Mother, Sharon Hoover Ward of Kalamazoo, MI. Father Lyle Lee White of South Haven, MI. Step Brothers – Robert (Rob) Sprague of Gobles, MI., and Adam Ward of Kalamazoo, MI. Grandmother Ramona Schultz of So. Haven, MI. many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, in addition to, his very special “guardian angel” friends, Hazella Laws, and Mr. & Mrs. Anita & Leeman Jones of Auburndale, Fl. He is preceded in death by his Grandfather Ellis (Shorty) Schultz and Step Brother Sam Eckemord of Auburndale, Fl.
We fondly remember Gene’s good nature and loving heart. One of his strongest characteristics was his compassion toward others. Gene would often give without consideration to his own wellbeing, and strangers were simply people he had never met. Once you knew him, you’d never forget him.
Often he would be found “teaching” his youngest cousins the particulars of being a “Country Kid” through conversations , stories and slaying of dragons, medieval warriors, or exploration of nearby woods, creeks, streams and culverts freely without bounds except through physical limitations or personal property boundaries. Every tree, nook and cranny was their play ground with no rock left un-turned.
Gene acknowledged Jesus and the Trinity as Lord of his life and personal Savior at an early age, although life’s circumstances led him through twists and turns that took him down some unforeseen and sometimes darker paths, he never forgot his raising and who was ultimately in control over his life.
He loved all of nature and everything it had to offer, even while wishing for a different set of personal life circumstances, he accepted the limitations placed upon him that were beyond his control or ability to change with a smile or a joke. Never having met a stranger, and telling in his own particular colorful way, stories and life events, he would always leave you with a chuckle and a smile. He touched many lives through his winning personality and a great void will be present in all the lives he touched during his short life here on earth. He will be sorely missed.
We pray your own personal memories will comfort you as you share them with others or hold them close in the days to come. He was a very special guy. May he rest in peace until we meet again.
We wish to acknowledge and thank Pastor Tony Kuenzli of Miracle Harvest Pentecostal Church of God, So. Haven, MI. for officiating and all family and friends who have shown much love and support going beyond their own grief to make this Memorial one Gene would be proud of.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven. Memorial services will follow visitation at 1:00 PM with Pastor Tony Kunezli officiating at the funeral home. Time for fellowship and sharing will follow at the home of Clinton & Kristen Schultz 6745 Baseline Rd. So. Haven, MI.