Archie Watley White

Rev. Archie W. White, known to family as “Granddaddy”, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, the 25th of November, 2015 at the age of 95. He was born on February 20, 1920 to James Wesley Goodrich White and Jocy Driver White, tenant farmers in Thorsby, Alabama. He grew up on a farm in Jemison, Alabama with his twin brother Arnold and nine other brothers and sisters. Later in life, Archie White reflected on growing up and living in a changing world. Provided below is a brief excerpt from his writings about his life. “By the Grace of God, I have had the privilege of living in a fast changing world. I am told there have been more technological changes and advances made in my lifetime than all the previous history of mankind. I am glad I have had the opportunity of living in this era of changing times. I have witnessed and enjoyed some of these changes. When we are young, we live everyday with great expectations and dreams. When we are older, we look back on our lives and call to mind many exciting events and things that helped shape our lives. I want to share a few of my memories of the life that God has blessed me with. I want to dedicate my story to my darling and most precious wife, Francis Jeanette Mims White, known to family as “MaMa” (11/6/22-10/6/04). Without her help and encouragement, and sometimes prodding, I could never have accomplished nor enjoyed the wonderful life we have shared together. And after the sixty-five years we have shared together, I say without hesitation that she has always been the joy and inspiration for my life. And I thank God for having blessed my life with my darling wonderful helpmate. I think He gave me the BEST He had, and I thank and praise Him for being so good to me.” Archie lived a long life full of adventure and success. After marrying MaMa in 1939 and starting with less than $1.00 to his name, she decided he needed to find a job. His first job was a bread truck driver. But, after a few minor accidents, he decided to start working for the railroad (not driving...). Then he joined the Army in June 1944 to support the WWII effort. The day before deployment to the front lines in Europe, Archie was selected to become a Staff Sergeant Drill Instructor to train future recruits in boot camp. His selection was based upon a high score on his IQ test and high marks on the firing range. After he left the Army in May 1946, he started a construction company called White Construction Company. While building a successful construction company, Archie and Francis were very active in the Delraida Baptist Church located in Montgomery, Alabama. It was during this time that Archie felt a call from God to devote his life to the ministry. Archie graduated from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1964. For the next seventeen years, Archie pastored Southern Baptist churches in both Alabama and Florida. Most notably he was the pastor for the First Baptist Church in Key West, Florida, Boulevard Baptist in Pensacola, Florida and Refuge Baptist in Red Hill, Alabama. After retiring from the ministry, Archie became involved in construction and real estate investment in Tallahassee, Florida. He was very successful in these endeavors and continued to actively manage his investment portfolio into his late 80’s. During his life, he enjoyed working with his hands. He was truly a jack of all trades. He had a passion for always being available to help others at a moment’s notice. It did not matter if your car broke down, you needed assistance with moving, building houses, adding a fence or deck to your house, etc. – HE WAS ALWAYS AVAILABLE AND READY TO HELP. Archie is survived by his daughter Bonita Moran; three grandchildren: Marvin Moran, Jr, Sharon Moran and Rob Moran; four great grandchildren: Josh Moran, Elizabeth Craig, Bailey Moran and Dylan Moran; and two great-great grandchildren: Charlotte Reese Craig and Jackson James Craig. He was loved and will be missed by Jann Moran, Debra Moran, Brandy Moran, Jonathan Craig, Marvin Moran, Sr and numerous nieces and nephews.

Archie Watley White

November 25, 2015