R.W. "Bill" White, Jr. passed away peacefully on January 2, 2021 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Nancy White. Bill is survived by son, David W. White, MD (Beth), son Wilson T. White; and daughter, Katy L. Hunt (Brian), all of Tulsa and nine grandchildren, Morgan White-Locke, William White, Taylor White (all in California), Warren White (Oregon), Wilson White, Jr., (Tulsa), Amelia White (California), Hayden Hunt (Dallas), Sally Hunt (Dallas), and Susan Hunt (Tulsa) and two great grandchildren, Michael David Locke, II and Ellis Lisset Locke (California).
He is also survived by four nieces and three nephews, Janie Anderson, Tina Bristol, Linda Evers and Mary Francis Evers; and Bayse Hibbett, Mike Wackenhuth and Mark Wackenhuth.
Born on June 3, 1931, Bill was the only child of R.W. and Ruby Mae White of Olney, Texas. His father joined General Motors in 1936 and Bill spent his childhood living in Abilene, Dallas, Houston, Corpus Christi, Victoria, New Orleans, Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
He attended Will Rogers High School where he was proud to letter in football & basketball. He scored the winning touchdown over arch rival Central in 1945. Bill graduated in 1953 from SMU and was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
He served in the Air Force at Scott Air Force Base and spent 21 wonderful months in Ulm, Germany where he spent every minute of leave time traveling the countryside of Europe. This experience ignited his passion for travel that he shared with his family.
Bill met his future bride, Nancy, during a blind date in 1956 while she was visiting her sister and brother-in-law, Katharine & Bob Wackenhuth, in Tulsa. Bill & Nancy married on January 16, 1957 and celebrated over 63 years of marriage. They loved each other throughout their lives.
Bill & Nancy raised three children and over the years took them and extended family on many wonderful trips. Bill was very proud of his children's love for learning and celebrated their educational accomplishments.
Bill joined the family business, Bill White Chevrolet, in 1956 through 1985. During this period the company specialized in large trucks used in the Middle East for Bechtel and Williams Companies. He was Eastern Oklahoma's winner of the Time Quality Dealer Award and among the top 3 finalists for the National Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award. He was also at one time one of the largest land owners in downtown Tulsa. In 1986, Bill, with several loyal employees, expanded their efforts into the Bill White Charter Company, serving downtown employees, hospitals, local schools, and private parties into what turned out to be one of the most fun aspects of his business career.
Doing business as one of the last downtown Tulsa automotive dealerships could not be done without friendly supporters, many of whom went beyond the call of duty, including Mark Tower, Charlie Thornton, Denzil Oswalt, George Schaffer, Mark Cavens, Maurice Duncan, Bill Grimm, Will Farrier, Charlie Evers, George Sharp, and Fred Daniels, Jr.
Bill was very active in Will Rogers Rotary Club, serving as President in 1964, where he enjoyed some of his most rewarding and fun activities. In addition, he served on the Boards of the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce, Bank of Oklahoma, Tulsa Retail Merchants Association, Tulsa Area United Way, and Hillcrest Associates.
Our Dad was, is and always will be one of the kindest and gentlest souls. His conversation, sense of humor, and good nature made him a friend to many.
Donations can be made to Asbury United Methodist Tulsa. Condolences can be sent to www.moorefuneral.com . The family would like to thank Huy and Kim Ngyuen, Shaunda Henry, and the nurses and caregivers at Evergreen Hospice and My Choice for their loving care and dedication. No services are planned at this time, there may be an outdoor service in the spring at Asbury United Methodist Church.