Franklin White

James Franklin White, Sr., of Statesville, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2016, at the Gordon Hospice House. Franklin was born in Statesville NC February 3, 1936 to James Taft White & Vada Lee Bailey White who preceded him in death. Franklin is survived by his wife of 58 years, Priscilla Dellinger White of Statesville, NC; daughter Lou Anne White of Greensboro, NC; son James F. White, Jr. (Hannah) of Indian Trail, NC; son Philip J. White (Genevieve Joseph) of Durham, NC; granddaughter Christa White Oakes ( Brady Oakes) of Charlotte, NC; grandson Matthew James White and granddaughter Emily Frances White both of Indian Trail, NC; sister Notie Vay White Meadows (Frank) of Rocky Mount, NC; sister-in-law Jennie Dellinger Hager (Jerry) of Rock Hill, SC and brother-in-law H. Steven Dellinger of Charlotte, NC. He also is survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. The family would like to thank Franklin's caregivers Heather Allison, Melia Howard and Donna Baggarley, and the staff at Gordon Hospice House. Franklin graduated from Statesville Senior High School in 1955, attended Catawba College, and served in the US Air National Guard. He coached his sons in Little League Baseball, and umpired high school baseball, Class A Minor League Baseball and Collegiate Baseball. In 1969, when his sons wanted to join Cub Scouts, Franklin started Cub Scout Pack 170 at First Baptist Church. He was Cubmaster from 1969 - 1972, then Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170 at First Baptist Church from 1973 - 1978. Franklin was in sales for 33 years and had represented Fasten Ware and State Products. A life celebration for Mr. White will be conducted Sunday, April 24, 2016, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church with Rev. Nelson Grenade officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be grandson and nephews and honorary pallbearers will include Lynn White, Vester Boone, Dr. Sam Stout, Jerry M. Cooke, and Joe Mullis. The family will visit with friends Saturday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Nicholson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625 or to First Baptist Church, 815 Davie Ave., Statesville, NC 28677. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of James Franklin White, Sr.