Sam White

Carbondale - Sam White, 62, left his physical home to move to his heavenly home at 8:12 p.m., Friday, February 14, 2014 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. Sam was born to Cecil V. and Vesta I. (Bradley) White on June 24, 1951 in Carbondale. He married Pamela June Parrott on August 12, 1977 in Carbondale. She survives and is of Makanda. Other survivors include a son, Michael Benjamin White of Makanda; two daughters, Aimee Elise (Chris) Williams of Marion and Laurel Nicole White of Makanda; two brothers, Kenneth (Jean) White of Land of Lakes FL, and Cecil (Ruben Artery) White of Hayward CA; two sisters, Loretta Ruff of North Myrtle Beach, SC, and Carolyn White of Carbondale; and one granddaughter, Abigale Madlyn Williams. He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Mary Meek. Sam received Jesus as his Savior at age 15, and devoted his life to walking with the Lord and encouraging others to do the same. He greatly loved the Lord and his family. One of his strongest spiritual gifts was teaching, and he was passionate about using this gift in the church, in the classroom, and with international friends. He said, "I cannot travel to all the countries of the world, but I can experience some of the wonderful people and their cultures by teaching them English and learning from them. God loves everyone." He often woke in the middle of the night and got up to read his Bible, a tradition which was modeled by his own father. Sam also enjoyed private worship times by singing praises to the Lord while accompanying himself on his guitar, which was provided by his inheritance from his mother. The day Sam died, he said, "I will get to see Mom and Dad, and Pastor John (his spiritual mentor) again. But most of all...I will see Jesus!" He fought the good fight and is now enjoying his reward: Jesus. To God be the glory. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2014, at Meredith Funeral Home with Reverends Wes Henson and Paul Tirey officiating. Interment will be at Oakland Cemetery, Carbondale. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at the funeral home. Memorial donations are the preferred form of remembrance and may be made to the International Student Ministry at Baptist Campus Ministry Center at SIU Carbondale, and will be accepted at the funeral home.



Service:



11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 20, 2014



Meredith Funeral Home Carbondale, Illinois







Visitation:



5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 19, 2014



Meredith Funeral Home Carbondale, Illinois