William Russell White, Jr., son of the late William R. White, Sr. and Martha Ann Lucas White, was born on September 18, 1946 in Wilson, NC. He departed this life on Wednesday April 29, 2026 after a long battle with declining health. William was educated in the Elm City School System and later worked as a chauffeur for R. J. Reynolds tobacco buyers. Being an exceptional employee for R. J. Reynolds, he was transferred to Lexington, KY as a switcher operator. After three years in Kentucky, he relocated to Winston-Salem, NC and drove art trucks for R.J. Reynolds while continuing his skill as a switcher operator for the Brook Cove district. He retired from R.J. Reynolds after 28 years of employment.

William had a strong work ethic and was an avid gardener and landscaper. His love for watching things grow led him to start his own landscaping business affectionately known as Mr. Green’s Lawn Care. William had a green thumb and was known for his enormous size vegetables. He took great pride in his garden and lawn and enjoyed giving advice on how to raise a garden to anyone who wanted to learn. He also started a catering business known as White House Catering to showcase his pit barbecue style cooking. He loved to entertain family and friends who raved over his unforgettable famous barbeque. He also enjoyed watching people’s reaction upon tasting is famous triple X hot sauce! William was also well known for making his homemade chocolate covered peanuts which he delighted in giving to friends and family as Christmas presents. Christmas was his favorite holiday, and he would start in October preparing his decorations and lights. The neighbors always complimented him for his beautiful Christmas scenery, which was often crafted with his own hands. 

His hobbies outside of gardening were deep sea fishing and attending boat shows. He was very meticulous and everything he owned had an assigned space. William was a father figure to many and was affectionately called “Pa Bill” or “Mr. Bill”. He was very well respected for his candidness and speaking his mind. Many young men admired him for his strong work ethic and wisdom. He was always truthful and if he gave you a nickname, that indicated that he really liked you! His hard work and talents provided very well for his family and his wisdom will forever be engrained in the hearts and lives of those he so lovingly touched.

William was preceded in death by his parents, William R. White, Sr. and Martha Ann Lucas White; and one son, Gregory LaMount White.

William leaves to cherish his memories his beloved wife of 50 years, Mrs. Velma Sanders White; one daughter, Angel White; two grandchildren, Aleah Tyler (DeAndre) and Gregory LaMount White, Jr.; two great-granddaughters, Amiya Cherry and Alysiah Buckner; three great-grandsons, Gregory LaMount White III, Gavin White, and Jaidyn Wilson; one brother, Charles E. White (Emma); five sisters, Martha JoAnn Barnes, Annie Morris Pope, Helen Jean White, Letitia White, and Janice White; sisters-in-law, Mary Cooper, Sheala King, Edna Goines, Carolyn Ruffin, Charlotte Barnes, Gina Hilliard, and Etta Hilliard; brothers-in-law, John King, Gregory Goines, Kenneth Ruffin, Carmichael Hilliard and Charles Hilliard; one uncle, Fred White (Thelma); two special daughters, Krista L. Faison “Leggs” and Lumekia Winkleman (Erik); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Friday, May 8, 2026 at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Friday at the Church.