Thomas E. White

Tom left this earthly world on Thursday, February 6, 2025, to be reunited with family members that have passed before him. 

Tom, also known to family, friends, and neighbors as “Uncle”, “Pops”, and “White”, was born in Chenoa, Illinois, on March 22, 1930, the son of the late Robert Leland and Flora May Harris White and grew up in nearby Pontiac, IL. 

Tom joined the Air Force when he was 18 and retired as a Staff Sergeant after 20 years of service as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist. 

Tom married Mary Inez Smiley on October 27, 1967, and they made their home on Russell Rock Lane in Greenville, Virginia in March 1969. 

Tom worked in other capacities after his military service, mostly as a delivery driver for Dixie Gas and Noland. They shared a wonderful life filled with friendships and family for 36 years until Inez’ passing on July 12, 2004. 

Tom was the second born of his immediate family and was preceded in death by his four sisters, Frances Marie Goodrich, Ellen Jane Huling, Anna Irene Campbell, and Alta Annabelle Lloyd; his niece, Michelle Gassman; and his nephews, Michael Huling (Phyllis Ann), Robert Roe, and Richard Lloyd (Carol).

Tom is survived by his nieces and nephews, Sharon Louise Arnold (Scott), Terry Lee Kepner (Neil), James Huling (Gloria), Charles Huling (Gail), Steven Huling, Thomas Roe (Linda), Trudy Roe Wolf (David), Debra Dronenberg (James); numerous great-nieces and nephews; as well as nieces and nephews of his late wife, and many friends and neighbors.

Tom was best known in the community for his hearty appetite, sense of humor, teasing, nicknaming others, dedication to helping those in need, and his infectious smile and giggle that lit up the room he was in and those around him. Tom was an ace mechanic and could fix almost anything. Tom spent his last couple years at Blue Ridge Christian Home in Raphine, Virginia, where he enjoyed peace, excellent care, and good food. 

Tom will be missed by all those that knew and loved him.

Arrangements are being handled by Henry Funeral Home.