Willie Claude 'Big Will' White

Willie C. White, 61, departed this life Thursday, June 23, 2011 at his residence. Born December 23, 1949 in Wellsville, Ohio, he attended Wellsville High School and Mt. Sinai Fire Baptized Holiness Church. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1967 and served three tours in Vietnam. After completing his military service, he went on to further his education at Howard University. On January 15, 1977, Willie was ordained into ministry at the First Tabernacle Interdenominational Church in Columbus, Ohio. During the course of his working years, Willie worked in various fields and endeavors including Harper Industries, where he held the position of Foreman, and Top Dogg Securities, of which he was a co-owner. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and was president of Blue's Elite Motorcycle Club. He enjoyed cooking, fishing, riding motorcycles, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He was a big man with a big heart and was affectionately called Big Will by those who knew and loved him. Willie is predeceased by wife Geraldine L. White, parents Willie and Mattie White, sister Maebell Brooks, and brothers, Leotis, David, and James White. He leaves to celebrate his memory, three daughters, Cassie Baker of Ft. Meade, MD, Misti M. Baker of Columbus, OH, and Geri (Gerald) Williams of Gray Court, SC; grandchildren, Renata, Yvonne, Iyonna, Jonathan, Cortney, and Marquis; sister Jannie (Udo) Gafiuk of San Antonio, TX; brothers, Calvin (Gloria) White of East Liverpool, OH, Larry and Timothy White, both of Wellsville, OH; and a host of family and friends. Celebration of Life 10 a.m., Thursday, June 30, 2011 in the chapel of DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long Street, where family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until start of service. Interment Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.