After a struggle with cancer, Gary Oswald White, 61, of Starkville, MS passed away peacefully at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS, Wednesday, December 23, 2015.

Visitation will be Saturday, December 26, 2015, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. The funeral is Sunday, December 27, 2015, at 12:00 pm in Lowndes Funeral Home Chapel, Columbus, MS with Dr. Carlton Weathers, a former student and ballplayer, officiating the ceremony, Lowndes Funeral Home directing. Interment will be in Providence Cemetery, Maben, MS. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gary White's life.
Gary was born May 18, 1954, in Eupora, MS to Liza Harpole White and the late Samuel Edsel White. He received both his Bachelor of Science degree in Education and his Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership from Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS. Gary had a love for teaching, coaching, and helping teachers to teach. He began his teaching career in New Roads, LA; taught and coached at Heritage Academy and Immanuel Center for Christian Education in Columbus, MS, where he was the principal. Gary served on the district team during DCTA contract negotiations to develop the grading and attendance policies and to develop the "District Student Code of Conduct."

In addition, Gary taught and was the principal at Labelle Middle School in Labelle, FL, and led up to 50 teachers in instruction, developed class schedules for grades 6-8, served on the Hendry County Golden Apple Teacher selection committee, the Florida Rural Turnaround Leadership Project, developed grade level teams as professional learning communities, vertical curriculum teams as learning communities, a mission and vision statement through the collaborative efforts of the faculty, implemented Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and developed strategies to increase positive involvement with families and the community as a whole. He was principal at DeSoto Middle School in Arcadia, FL, where he provided support to the faculty with the implementation of the county code of student conduct.

Gary was School Administrator and Athletic Director and Coach at Immanuel Center for Christian Education, Columbus, MS where he managed the operating budget, supervised a teaching staff of 26 teachers, developed class schedules for grades 7-12, published the faculty manual, student handbook, and student behavior code. Gary supervised maintenance and grounds personnel, chaired the accreditation committee for Southern Association for Colleges and Schools, Association of Christian Schools International, and the Mississippi Private School Association. He was a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, led a building team, provided leadership for a school board policy manual, and counseled students as an admission liaison officer for the US Air Force Academy. As Athletic Director and Coach at Immanuel, he coordinated the athletic programs, supervised coaches of all sports, developed coaching clinics for football and baseball, won over 100 football games and two state championships as head football coach, and won a state championship as head baseball coach. Gary was a teacher and coach at Heritage Academy, Columbus, MS from 1985-1987 and taught government and economics, won a state championship as an assistant football coach, led his team into playoffs, and supervised assistant coaches. He taught and coached at False River Academy, New Roads, LA from 1984-1985, where he also taught government and economics, led the team to the playoffs as the head baseball coach and supervised assistant coaches. He has been an elementary principal at Starkville Academy in Starkville, MS since August 2015.
Gary worked with Royal Rangers, served as Brotherhood president, and taught Sunday school Immanuel Baptist Church, Columbus, MS. He also was a mentor for youth at Shocco Springs retreat, coached little league baseball, and developed "Weecho Inspiration," foundation to support special needs students, and was involved with Best Buddies. Gary enjoyed cooking, Mississippi State sports, and traveling. Most people remember Gary as a principal, coach, and teacher of the "game of life." He was passionate about teaching young people. Gary was a godly man, who was an example not only to his own children but to many young people whose lives he has touched. He was an amazing son, husband, brother, and mentor.

Gary is survived by his wife of 34 years-Dana Terry White, Starkville, MS children-Carrie Ann White of Columbus, MS; and Samuel Ward White of Starkville, MS; his mother-Liza White, Maben, MS; a brother-Mickey (Linda) White of Maben, MS; and a sister-Dena (Keith) Miller of Tupelo, MS.

Pallbearers will be Ben White, David Farley, Jason Minga, Ron Harpole, Tony Shelton, and Jeremy Nicholas. Honorary Pallbearers will be Immanuel Football Players, Nurses for Oktibbeha County Hospital, North Mississippi Medical (Starkville/Tupelo), and the Teachers and Staff from Starkville Academy.

Memorials may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, MS Chapter, 405 Fontaine Place, Suite 103, Ridgeland, MS 39157, www.donate.lls.org.


Y ou may view the webcast of Mr. White Sunday, December 27, 2015, at 12:00 pm at http://webcasts.lifetributes.com/658619 . If you have any questions, please contact Lowndes Funeral Home and Crematory at 662-328-1808.