Dr. William D White

Send Flowers

Visitation Schedule
College Church of Christ
712 East Race Street
Searcy, AR  72143
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
4-6PM
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
College Church of Christ
712 East Race Street
Searcy, AR  72143
Thursday, October 11, 2018
10:00 AM
Cemetery
White County Memorial Gardens
3306 E. Park Ave.
Searcy, AR  72143
Dr. William D White

of Searcy, AR

July 15, 1938 - October 6, 2018

Dr. William Doyle White, 80, of Searcy, Ark., died Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, at Unity Hospital in Searcy. He was born July 15, 1938, the son of S.D. White, Jr. and Estelle (Welch) White. He was a member of the College Church of Christ, where he served as an elder and song leader for many years. His commitment to God inspired his attention to words and music that best fit the theme of the sermon, and he spent many hours selecting songs most appropriate to the day's worship. He gave of his heart, his time and his personal skills to mentor and minister to those who came to Monday night Caring & Sharing and the medical clinic at His House, as well as one-on-one sessions with many who sought his counsel.

Bill was a graduate of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, Class of '55. He earned a bachelor's degree in music at the University of Arkansas in 1959. From the second semester of his freshman year until his graduation in 1959, he was selected for a lead in all musical theatre productions and operas produced by the department. An avid runner, he lettered in track and field in high school and college and later ran numerous marathons, including the well-known Boston marathon.

On June 27, 1959, Bill married Neva Jane Cram, a music graduate he had met at the University of Arkansas, and whose piano prowess earned numerous accolades as a performer and accompanist. They were married for 53 years before her death. To this union were born Mark, Jonathan, Stephen, Laura and David.

He attended medical school at the University of Chicago, from 1959 until 1963. During medical school, he continued to pursue his interest in music at the Music Conservatory, singing a lead role in Rigoletto and other operas, and performing with the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus at the Apollo Opera Company. He was chosen the Outstanding Male Vocalist under 30 in Chicago and sang an aria with the Chicago Symphony. He once served as a judge for Metropolitan Opera competitions. Even as a practicing physician, he performed numerous solos with the Arkansas Symphony, the Arkansas Choral Society, Opera Memphis, the Harding University orchestra and chorus, and in many regional symphonies and oratorios.

After graduating medical school, Bill completed a one year internship at UAMS in Little Rock, and then served the United States Public Health Service as a commissioned medical officer with the Indian Health Services hospitals in Pawnee and Claremore, Okla., until June 1967. He then returned to UAMS to complete residency in internal medicine and fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He moved to Searcy in 1970 to begin his practice.

Bill's medical practice spanned 48 years, including service as team physician for the U.S. Olympics women's volleyball team and men's boxing team in 1979; medical director for Track & Field National Finals for several years; 20 years in internal medicine and gastroenterology at Searcy Medical Center; team physician for 17 years for Harding University and Harding Academy football teams; professor of medicine and associate dean of the College of Health-Related Professions at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; associate chief of staff at the Veterans Hospital in Little Rock; and medical director of Harding University's Physician Assistant Program.

A family man, he spent thousands of hours in his later years attending choral performances, recitals and athletic events involving his grandchildren. In particular, he was pleased to have taught his grandsons how to play golf and to have given them insight into the most important matters of life. In her Facebook post announcing his death, Emily (Eads) said, ''Heaven gained a sweet soul today. Poopah was one of the kindest, most generous people. He was such a big part of our lives he was at every performance, football game, birthday party, graduation and so much more. I love him so much and can't imagine how life will be without him.''

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Neva; and an infant son, Stephen. Survivors include his children Mark (Connie), Jonathan (Cheryl), Laura (Gary) Eads, and David (Katy); nine grandchildren Grant (Natalie) White, Cara (Andy) Sills and Garrett (Jenna) White; Emily Eads, Ethan Eads and Easton Eads; Taylor White, Carson White; and Gabriel White; five great-grandchildren Roxie White, Jaxson White, Adalynn White; Palmer Sills and Wyatt Sills.

A celebration of the life of Dr. Bill White will be Thursday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. at the College Church of Christ in Searcy, with visitation Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the College Church family room. Pallbearers will be Grant White, Andy Sills, Garrett White, Ethan Eads, Carson White, Easton Eads and Gabriel White.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Partners in Progress at http://partnersinprogress.org.

Services are under the direction of Roller-Daniel Funeral Home

Online Guestbook:www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

Sign Guestbook

19 Condolence(s)
LaMonica Brady
Bradford, AR
Liked
Wednesday, December 19, 2018

My heart is saddened I was looking for someone else and I come across rubber White this man was amazing man I got to know him by attending Monday night Care and share at College Church of Christ he was a great influence to me I enjoy talking to him every time I seen him. I know it was a little while back when he passed and I'm just now seeing it but my heart goes out to the family still yet I absolutely love brother White God be with you brother

Susan Barden Brown
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, October 14, 2018

Whenever I was with Dr. White I saw Jesus Christ. He was a man who knew who his Lord is and who used his life to effect what Christ would have him do. He was a friend for many years as well as his family and I treasured that friendship. He literally saved my physical life by insisting I come in for a test that saved my life. I am grateful for his caring and insistence. I pray that all his family will be comforted by the love of Jesus Christ.

Kimberly Collins
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, October 11, 2018

Dr. White was a wonderful Christian man! He was always the same no matter where we saw him, at Harding or the VA. His talent, humility and love for people will be missed!! David, Katy, and Laura, Kenny and I send you our love!! Your parents left a beautiful legacy for your families to continue: music, love, humility and Christian education. May God walk with you all through each moment during your loss! We Love you guys.
Kenny and Kym Collins

Evelyn Webb
Russellville, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Dr. White was employed by the DHS Medical Review Team for many years. His kindness, compassion and knowledge was admirable. May his family be comfortable with knowing that his light shined before men reflecting the glory of God.
Evelyn Webb

David S Krapf
Memphis, TN
Liked
Wednesday, October 10, 2018

While I only knew him for a few years, it was my honor to have met him. He was always there with an encouraging word and a story. He was a great teacher and will be sorely missed by all.

Keith Cronk
Searcy, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Sincere condolences to the Bill White family. I have been drinking coffee most week day mornings over the last couple of years with Bill. He has had so many life experiences and wonderful stories. He was ever willing to share this interesting stories and was equally interested in hearing others stories. He had a number of friends from the student body who regularly stopped by to say hi and chat with Bill. He is missed at our coffee table.
God bless.

Greg Hargett
Richmond, VA
Liked
Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Condolences to the entire White family. Dr White had a significant impact on both my musical and professional life. I will miss him very much.

Roger Ahlf
Searcy, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 10, 2018

I'm so sorry for your loss. Dr. White was a super nice person. For years I would run into Dr. White and his wife at local restaurants and enjoyed visiting with them.

Betty Albright-Bistrow
Mineral Ridge, OH
Liked
Wednesday, October 10, 2018

I am very sorry to learn of Dr. White's passing from this life. I knew Dr. White when I worked at White County Hospital back in the 1970s. I worked in Medical Records and Radiology for Dr. Elliott and Dr. Bell. Dr. White was always so professional and so very kind. What a great loss this is for the Searcy community, but what a great welcome for him in heaven. God bless all of the family and friends. May the expressions of love and concern help you through the loss of your father and friend.

Allee Cude
Dickson, TN
Liked
Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Dr. White became a special friend of mine during my last couple of years as a student at Harding. The day we met, I was sitting alone in the student center when he introduced himself and asked if I’d like to sit with him and some other College Church elders at their usual table. It became a regular stop during my day, and I looked forward to those visits every morning until his health kept him unable to come to campus. Dr. White had a unique talent for making you feel understood and valued in every exchange. He loved to talk about family and faith at every opportunity, and I was privileged to get to soak up a little of his spiritual wisdom and enthusiasm. Dr. White took the time to get to know and share his story with me, and it meant the world to me.

Liz Howell
Searcy, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 10, 2018

The Harding family mourns with you and remembers the life of Dr. White. You are in our heart and prayers.

Richard A. Ellis
Anchorage, AK
Liked
Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Dr. White was a very Kind and gentle man who I had the utmost respect for. He was a real leader in our medical community and at Harding in the PA program. I offer my most sincere condolensces to his family in this sad time.

Mike Valentine, PA
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 10, 2018

So sorry to hear about Dr. White. Great man and he raised a great family. I always enjoyed talking to and learning from him. Prayers go out to his family.

Darlene Overturf
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Sorry for your loss Dr. White. You and family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Shane Tharp and family
Searcy, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dr. White was such a great kind-hearted and intelligent man. I always enjoyed visiting with him.

Kathy Bullard Sweeney
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 10, 2018

To the family: Dr. White was a special man and a great physician. He also had a special knack for remembering you by name even if it had been a while since your paths crossed. My prayer is for comfort and peace as you mourn his death.

Beth Cram Porter
Cedarville, OH
Liked
Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Dear Uncle Bill,

I will miss you very much. I love you.

Beth

David M Johnson
Searcy, AR
Liked
Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Bill was a friend of mine at UAMS and here in Searcy for many years.
We were in practice at Medical Arts Clinic with Drs Palmer, Brown and Farrar.
Later we worked together at Searcy Medical Clinic in Internal Medicine.
I have known Bill for well over 50 years, and we always had a great relationship and friendship.

He will be missed by me.
However I will see him one day in Glory!

My best wishes to all of his Family!!

Brenda (Bryant) Fasulo, RN
Jonesboro, AR
Liked
Monday, October 8, 2018

My sincerest condolences to the family. Mark, Laura, Jonathan & David, I have certainly missed working with your Dad and remember fondly all the fun times, crazy busy times and my first Medical mission trip to Guyana with Dr. Bill. Some of our best days at the office began when he would burst into the door of his office in the morning after rounds singing in that wonderful deep voice, some opera lines in another language! He was an amazing man....so caring and always putting others' needs above his own. He will be missed. My love to you all.