Emory Hampshire White, Jr.

Emory Hampshire White, Jr. 86, of Baptist faith passed away peacefully at home Thursday evening surrounded by what mattered most to him. Family!

A native of Ringgold, Georgia and a Navy Veteran, he was born August 23, 1935 to the late Emory H. White Sr. and Nellie Frady White.

Emory was a star football and baseball player at Ringgold High School, Graduating at Ringgold in 1954. Rather than accepting the baseball draft selection from either the Philadelphia Phillies or Pittsburgh Pirates, Emory chose to go to the University of Georgia to play football.

After marrying his high school sweetheart Margaret Ann Self, they raised a family together in the East Brainerd area. With his love of family and his community as well, he helped with the building and development of the Pitner ballfields in East Brainerd where he helped mentor many young men.

He began in the telecommunications business with Southern Bell which would later become Bellsouth then AT&T. Later he would start his own business, Emory White Communications where he had many customers that continued being great friends throughout the years.

He was blessed to be involved in mission trips in Venezuela, Germany, Brazil, Africa, and Mexico, building Churches along the way.

He continued all his life, his enjoyment of baseball and softball. He was inducted in 2010 In the National Softball Hall of Fame and continued playing until he was 79.

He continued showing his love for his friends and community with his involvement with the Alhambra Shrine Children’s Hospital.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emory H. White Sr and Nellie Frady White; brothers, Marvin White, Howard White, and Johnny White.

He leaves behind a son, Gary (Melissa) White and a daughter, Suzanne (Jeff) Guffey; Sister, Mildred W. Hooper; Sister-in-law, Betty S. Wheeler; Granddaughters, Jessica (Justin) Hicks and Rebecca (Jared) Lewis; and Grandson Jacob Guffey. He was so proud and loved all his grandkids. Three great-grandchildren, “Little” Emory and Sara Hicks, and Lucas Lewis. Many much loved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Emory cherished all of his work friends and customers throughout his life! Special “thank you” to Sharon for her help and care.

The family will be accepting friends at Heritage Funeral Home on 7454 East Brainerd Rd, on Thursday September 23 from 6 to 8 pm. A celebration of Emory’s life will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Friday September 24 at 2:00pm, with Minister David Hall officiating. He will be laid to rest in Graysville Cemetery in Graysville, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alhambra Shrine 1000 Alhambra Dr. Chattanooga, TN

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