Willis "Hoyt" White

Willis Hoyt White passed away at the age of 85 on July 31, 2012. He was the son of the late Hoyt D. White and Ruby White. Born on March 5, 1927 in Union City, Tennessee, Hoyt graduated from Union City High School in 1945 and entered the Navy for the remainder of WWII. Hoyt met and married Peggy Ruth Olive on June 20, 1945. Peggy preceded him in death on April 25, 2011, just two months prior to their 66th anniversary. While living in Union City, Hoyt made the decision to become a preacher. He and Peggy moved with their 3 Children to Nashville, Tennessee in 1955 where Hoyt enrolled in David Lipscomb College and graduated in 1958. The Madison Avenue Church of Christ in Nashville hired Hoyt and family as a missionary and sent him to Naples, Florida to begin work with a new church. During the next 5 years, the church grew from 14 members to over 200 members. He met many life long friends and many special memories were created for the entire family. Hoyt became the minister in Greenville, Mississippi prior to moving to Memphis, Tennessee in 1966. Hoyt served as minister to two churches in Memphis: East Frayser Church of Christ and Wooddale Church of Christ. He later attended Highland Street Church of Christ. He served at Harding Graduate School as Director of Development in 1971. In 1991, Hoyt and Peggy moved to Long Beach, Mississippi where he served as minister for the Long Beach Church of Christ until his retirement in December, 1999. After retirement Hoyt enjoyed numerous mission trips to the Republic of Panama and raised funds to build a church building among the Kuna Indians in Ipetie, Panama. He was also very active in politics, civic and community organizations. He never lost his zest for life and lived life to the fullest. His mild, easy- going demeanor, quick wit and jovial manner endeared him to all who loved and knew him. These qualities, combined with his strong faith and knowledge, made him a true example of a Christian man. He and Peggy loved their family and life and enjoyed many travels throughout the world. He was always the life of the family get-togethers, providing much laughter and sometimes a tune on his trumpet. Hoyt loved the ""Wild West"", and was an avid fan of ""a good Western"" especially one featuring John Wayne! You could find him practicing his 'quick draw' immediately after a Western movie. Hoyt lived a life of dedication and devotion and truly had the heart of a servant. His life is best summed up by the scripture: ""Well done thou good and faithful servant"".
Hoyt is survived by his 3 children, Diane (Dr. Max) Edrington of Long Beach, Mississippi; State Representative Mark (Kathy) White of Memphis, Tennessee and Stan (Beth) White of Memphis, Tennessee.. He also leaves 7 grandchildren: Kirk (Louise) Edrington; Clint Edrington; Kyle Edrington; Bonny (Mike) Osterhage; Brooke (Dr. Justin) Brewer; Ali (Jared) Winters; and Katie (Lieutenant Joe) Szostak. He also leaves 8 great-grandchildren: Amelia & Hiram Edrington; Jack & Ty Osterhage; Chandler Reese & Collins Brooke Brewer; and Walker Ray & Whitman Winters.
The family would like to express special thanks and gratitude to Susan, as well as, Janice, Gloria and Canon Hospice for the special attention and loving care they administered to Hoyt during his illness.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach, Mississippi. Visitation will be held at 9:30 AM Friday, August 3rd with services following at 10:45 AM at The Long Beach Church of Christ. Memorials may be made to: Global Children's Education Foundation (Panama Missions), PO Box 17409; Memphis, TN 38187.
Tributes may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com.