of Benton, AR
January 28, 1933 - July 22, 2016
Tommie Neil White, age 83, of Benton, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2016, in the care of hospice, after a long battle against a brain tumor.
Tommie was born on January 28, 1933 in Mt. Vernon to Tommie and Ellen (Bell) White. Upon his graduation from Mt. Vernon High School in 1951, Tommie joined the Navy and served during the Korean War. He met his wife, Theda, in 1955 in Pat's Café in Benton. He walked in one day and Theda told her mother, I am going to marry that man. They spent more than 60 years devoted to one another. Following his military service, Tommie enjoyed 30+ years working for Alcoa.
At the center of Tommie's life was his family. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Never one to meet a stranger, Tommie was always willing to do anything for anyone in need. He believed, above all else, that all people are children of God. Tommie enjoyed being a member of Highland Heights Baptist Church, being outdoors with his grandchildren, and lazy afternoons spent in the front porch swing.
Tommie is survived by his loving wife Theda, his sons Jesse ''Bo'' White of Benton and Dale White and his wife Michelle of Springdale, his grandchildren Meghan Cressman, Cole Winfield, Garen White, Jesse White and Kyle Winfield, his great-grandchild Theo Cressman, his sister Gerry Lynn Cooper of Benton, 11 nephews and 2 nieces, who are serving as pallbearers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved daughter Telisa Winfield of Benton, his grandson Justin Springston of Fayetteville and his nephew Johnny Cooper of Benton.
Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, July 26th at 10am at the Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047) with Pastor Brian Moore officiating. Interment will follow in the Smith-Rosemont Cemetery in Benton.
Visitation will be on Monday, July 25th from 7pm to 9pm at the funeral home.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Saline Memorial Hospice House and Aloca Pines Rehab for providing excellent care.
Theda & White Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family meant so much to me growing up and I am sad to learn about Mr. White. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless all of you!
Theda, Gerry Lynn, and your families: I learned of Neal's death a week after service. May
God comfort you as you mourn. I am grieving, too, for Bill died on May 11 of this year.
Theda and family and Gerry and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Tommie Neal will be missed by many! Love to all.
Theda, I am so sorry I missed the funeral and everything. I have been down but my heart and prayers are with you all. I love you and if I can do anything , I'm hear. We love you both.
Theda and family.. Gerry and family. Sorry to hear of Neil's passing. May our Lord surround you with His loving arms and comfort you with a peace that only He can give
Theda, Sorry to hear of Tommie's passing. My prayers are with you and your family.
I was blessed to have known Tommie while working at SMH many years ago. He was one of our volunteers for our department. He always had a smile on his face and loved to talk about his family. Lifting you all up in prayer. May God place his comforting arms around you today and in the days to follow.
Theda and family,You are in my thoughts and prayers !
Love you !
I am so sorry to hear of Tommie's passing. You have my deepest sympathies and are in my prayers.
Ms. White, Bo and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are being lifted for all of you at this time. Keep tight and always share all the special memories of Mr. White and they will carry you thru the hard times.
Theda & family,
I am so sorry to hear about Tommie's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Robert, Judy (Wright) & Sarah Young
Will be keeping you all in my prayers.
You are in our prayers.
Theda,
I was so sad to hear of Tommie Neil's passing. I am thinking of you and praying for you and the family.
Love, Krista
We are so sad to hear about Tommie Neil. He was always so sweet and friendly every time we saw him-such a gentleman.
We have some fun memories helping the BHS Student Council with Theda Jo and him.
May God give you comfort knowing he is not suffering any longer and he is rocking on a porch swing with Priss in Heaven.
Sending our love and sympathy~
Theda I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Tommie Neil. You both have always held a very special place in my heart . My prayers and thoughts are with you, Dale and Bo.
Bo we are sorry to hear of the passing of your father. For we all know he is pain free and free from sickness. But please remember as Christians this is not a good bye but a simple See ya later for one day you all will be rejoicing together again in the presence of the Lord. If any any time there is anything you and the family need just please let us know. May God bless you all in this time.
With a bunch of love and respect . He is one of the good guys . We need more men like him . Thank you Mr. Tommie for your kindness and acceptance. Jan
How saddened I am to hear of the passing of such a wonderful charming man. He always had a smile and a hug when you saw him. I have known Mr. White and family at least for 45+ years and have always loved and thought of them so highly. He is at peace now and no more suffering. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. White, Dale, Bo and their families.