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02/20/09 - NNHS Newsletter - Walter White
Walter James White |
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Dear Friends and Schoolmates,
We have that promised sad edition of the NNHS Newsletter today.
I received a phone call from my beautiful cousin,
Cheryl White Wilson
(John Marshall HS - '64) of VA. Her father (and my beloved uncle),
Walter White,
passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 in Hopewell at the age of 93.
Walter was a giant of a man in more ways than one. Even in his older
years, he still towered over practically everyone. I recall back in the
sixties,
Beryl
(Buckley White - John Marshall HS - '35), a meticulous and creative
seamstress, made Walter's dress shirts for him, as it was so difficult to find
them in his size - especially the sleeve length. Walter's very presence in
a room was such a comfort, as he was a tower of strength.
Walter was raised in Brooklyn, and I was always thrilled to know that one of his boyhood chums was the late, great Jackie Gleason.
After World War II, Walter brought home many pieces of lace from Malta - pretty little Maltese lace doilies - which we all still treasure. Besides, it's always fun to say, "Walter brought them from Malta" - which in the Southern tongue rhymes so well.
I remember one summer when I was spending a week with Walter, Beryl, and Cheryl
in Williamsburg - probably August of 1962 or '63 - we were in a pharmacy on Duke
of Gloucester Street, and I saw a red strawberries and cream votive candle and
being young and exuberant, flipped over both the color and the fragrance, and
for no particular reason except that he loved me, Walter bought it for me.
I loved him so. I shall miss him.
Cheryl, I am so very sorry for your loss.
http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/09-13-07-NNHS-Beryl-Buckley-White.html
http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/AAF/VII/AAF-VII-9.html
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June 1982 Richmond, VA |
November 1998 | Monday, September 17, 2007 | Monday, September 17, 2007 |
Walter James White | Walter and Beryl | Beryl and Walter | Cheryl, Walter, and Don | Walter White |
From the (Petersburg) Progress-Index - 02/20/09:
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Walter J. White |
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Walter James White, 93, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, in Hopewell, Va. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Jan. 3, 1916. He resided in Williamsburg, Va., 45 years until moving to Brighter Living Assisted Living, Hopewell, Va. Mr. White was preceded in death by his wife of over 61 years, Beryl Buckley White. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl White Wilson and her husband, Donald Wilson, of Chesterfield County, Va.; three grandsons, Michael Wilson and great-grandson, Steven Wilson, of Colonial Heights, Va., Christopher Wilson and his wife, Kimberly, Ayres Wilson and great-granddaughters, Bailey and Olivia Wilson, of Glen Allen, Va., Timothy Wilson and his wife, Anne Du Boucheron Wilson, of Brooklyn, N.Y. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Mr. White was a World War II veteran in the 21st Engineer Aviation Regiment and participated in Africa and Italy invasions. Mr. White also served over 30 years in civil service and retired from Fort Eustis as chief of Manpower Comptroller Division. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the home of his daughter, Cheryl Wilson, 1615 Clear Springs Lane, Colonial Heights, Va. There will be a graveside service in Williamsburg, Va., at 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, at the Cedar Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Super Kids Ministries, P.O. Box 637, Hopewell, VA 23860. Condolences may be registered at: http://www.nelsencares.com.
Published in The Progress-Index
on 2/20/2009. |
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February 20, 2009 Walter was indeed a giant among men, physically, mentally and even spiritually. He was a calming influence, uplifted folks through humor and kindness at the appropriate time while always making us all feel as if he had his arm around us, comforting each of us. He may have been born a "Yankee" but he became the greatest of "Southern Gentlemen." I loved and respected him and will miss his gentle ways. Paul Harty
(Edwardsville, IL) February 21, 2009 I loved Walter and admired him
a great deal. I was so sorry to hear of his passing, but I am sure he will
be glad to reunite with Beryl. Hugs sent to Cheryl and family. Shari Chapman (Stuarts Draft, VA)
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Our sincerest
condolences are extended to Cheryl and Don and their family and friends.
From Joe Madagan ('57) of FL - 02/19/09:
Thank you so much, Joe.
They certainly do.
From Linda May Bond Crayton ('66) of VA - 02/20/09 - "Sorry":
Carol,
I'm so sorry to hear about your uncle. Your
family and he, himself, will be in my prayers this night.
Linda May '66
Thanks so much, Dear Linda May.
I appreciate that.
From Jamey Douglas Bacon ('66) of VA - 02/20/09:
Carol,
I am so sorry about the loss of your sweet uncle. I know how you all are going to miss him. I have a picture of myself at 5 or 6 trying to sneak into my uncle's car. I was going to run away and be his child for a little while. I got talked out of it . He was visiting from Oklahoma. Again, I am very sorry.
Fondly, Jamey
Thank you, Jamey.
What a precious memory! I always think of big, beautiful cars when I think
of Walter, too. He bought a new Oldsmobile every year, and it was such a
treat to ride in them with him and his family, because they were so immaculate
and cherished and still had that great "new car" scent!
From
Glenn Dye
('60) of TX - 02/20/09:
Thank you so much, Glenn.
Most of us - probably all of us - have received a sweet, comforting
assurance that all is well now with Walter, having been freed from the
infirmities of advancing age.
From Linda Lane Lane
('64) of VA - 02/20/09 - "Death of your Uncle":
I am very sorry to learn of the death of your last surviving uncle. He had
quite a busy life in all of his activities. I lost my last uncle 3 years
ago. Where has the time gone? These 62 years have gone by too quickly. I
know you will cherish the memories you had with your uncle and your entire
family.
Thank you, Linda-Linda.
I do cherish those precious memories.
From Sarah Puckett Kressaty ('65) of
VA - 02/20/09:
Carol:
Sorry for the loss of your uncle! It seem we are all down to one!
S.
Thank
you, Sarah Sugah.
From Cheryl Mays Howard ('66) of VA -
02/25/09 - "Sympathy":
Thank you so much, Cheryl. I forwarded your note to Cheryl.
Y'all take good care of each other! TYPHOONS FOREVER! We'll Always Have Buckroe!
Love to all, Carol
==============================================
NNHS CLASS OF '65 WEB SITE:
http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com
PERSONAL WEB SITE:
http://www.angelfire.com/weird2/cluckmeat
==============================================
Carol Buckley
Harty
618-530-9092
Lead, Kindly Light
Lyrics by John Henry Newman, 1833
Music by John B. Dykes, 1865
Lead, kindly Light, amid th’encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home;
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou
Shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now
Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years!
So long Thy power hath blessed me, sure it will,
Will lead me on.
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone,
And with the morn those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!
Meantime, along the narrow rugged path,
Thyself hast trod,
Lead, Savior, lead me home in childlike faith,
Home to my God.
To rest forever after earthly strife
In the calm light of everlasting life.
"Lead, Kindly Light" midi (MIDI sequence copyright © 2002 Brian M. Ames) and lyrics courtesy of http://junior.apk.net/~bmames/ht0320_.htm - 12/20/04
Greg Olsen Paintings courtesy of http://gregolsengallery.com – 01/27/05
John Marshall High School's Justice Scale clip art courtesy of
Cheryl White Wilson (JMHS - '64) of VA - 10/13/05 (replaced 02/23/09)
Thanks, Cheryl!
Animated Army Flag clip art courtesy of http://www.angelfire.com/ny4/KevsGifsGalore/Patriotic.html - 06/18/03
Blackwork Flowers Divider Line clip art courtesy of http://www.bravenet.com - 08/12/04
Marine Corps Seal clip art
courtesy of the late
Herbert Hice of MI
- one of my
Famous Marines
who served in the South
Pacific during WWII.
Thanks again, Herbie!!
Army Seal clip art courtesy of Al Farber ('64) of GA - 05/24/06 (still
missing...)
Thanks, Al!
Replaced by Norm Covert ('61) of MD - 02/09/09
Thanks, Norm!