Mr. Willie Henry White

Obituary For Mr. Willie Henry White

On a sunny February 22, 2025, Willie Henry White, fondly known as "Willie" made his final journey home from Thomaston, Georgia. He was 85 years young.

Born on May 29, 1939, to the late Mrs. Hattie Mae Dyke Green and the late Mr. Reuben White Sr. in Thomaston, Upson County, GA. He was educated in the public school of Upson County and attended Thomaston Training School. Willie relocated to Buffalo, New York in l959, initially intending a short visit, with the help of Aunt Ann, he began his career as a baggage handler at the Buffalo Airport. His work ethic and friendly demeanor propelled him forward, eventually leading to a supervisory role in food distribution with American Airlines for their Detroit connections. Willie found a long-time home at Hyman Barrell and Drum in Buffalo, where he worked until his retirement. He was a man who embraced life and found joy in simple pleasures.

His life was full of love and family. He was a proud father to Henry Jr. and Timothy White from his first marriage to Diane Hall. He then shared 48 years with Susie Sweat, expanding his family and joyfully embracing her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who became the true delights of his life and affectionately knew him as "Pops." In his later years, he returned to Georgia in October, 2009, surrounded by his nieces and nephews, and married his childhood sweetheart, Joanne Billups, on February 14, 2015. Their cherished union lasted until her passing on February 8, 2023.

Willie loved the Lord and you would often hear him say, "I know who holds my hand," "Lord let me be a blessing today in someone life.” He was a long-time faithful member and served in the Men's Choir at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Buffalo, NY. Upon returning to Thomaston, GA, Willie became a member of Mary Lizzie Baptist Church.

He was a true game show enthusiast. He absolutely loved football and his Buffalo Bills, getting tagged with the nickname "Buffalo Bills Will" and was passionate of the Detroit Red Wings. He was an avid bowler and often enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune, judge shows and watching the gospel channel with friends and family. He was a man of faith, and his warm smile and welcoming spirit touched the lives of many.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne; son, Willie Henry White, Jr., siblings, Annie Grace White (John Harris), James White (Willie Mae), Reuben White, Jr., and Edward Brown (Annie Brown).

He leaves behind his son, Timothy White, his step-son, Maner (Chandra) Thompson; his beloved children of Susie Sweat, Lula Mullens, Helen (Darryl) Gaiter, Diane Pugh Woods, Loretta White and Kenneth (Debora) Sweat, Sr.; sisters-in-law include, Martha C. Chambles, Barbara (Joseph) Kendall, Betty C. Prather and Bernita Copeland; care-givers, Charo Brown, Debbie Brown, Ronnie Jordan, Chrissy Brown, Veronica Taylor, Teresa Brown and Felicia Woodard; four best friends, Shedwrich Risper, Silas Williams, Ann Copeland and Reggie from Buffalo, NY; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a large circle of family and friends who will carry on his memory.

He was a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and embraced life's simple joys.