Eric White, a former Quitman ISD board of education member, died last Sunday morning following a lengthy illness that included cancer. He was 54 years old.

White served six years on the school board and was an active member of the athletic booster club for many years. White always believed in the importance of honesty and straightforwardness. In a past article of the Democrat, he stated “it is important to me to be upfront and honest, always. What you see is what you get. I am a man of my word and I am always willing to listen to others.”

According to his obituary, White was born June 17, 1958 in Sulphur Springs to Choyce Given and Ida Virginia West White. He was a graduate of Quitman High School and continued his education at Tyler Junior college where he obtained an Associate’s degree in Petroleum Technology. He was employed as a lease operator with Petro Hunt for more than 20 years.

White was heavily involved in the community and civic organizations. He was an active member of the New Life Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and in other capacities. He was an active member of the Quitman Youth Foundation where he coached little dribbler and softball teams for many years.

Those who have been around White for a while will remember him as “the voice” for children.

Beverly Gunn, who served on the school board with him, referred to him as a dear friend, a spokesperson for children and an incredible father.

“Eric White was a dear friend and a board member whose heart and voice spoke for the children of QISD with great clarity. He also possessed a fine sense of humor, and when discussion sometimes became strident, as they occasionally do, he would find a way with humor to lighten the discussion and refocus the members with a reminder of who we served,” Gunn said. “He was also a dad who was incredibly proud of his daughters and his family. He will be sorely missed by all those who both loved him and who were privileged to call him friend.”

Longtime friend Paul Brown says he will truly miss White and his friendship. “Eric was a great friend; very easygoing and his friendship was unconditional.He was always my go-to person—he always knew everything that was going on. I respected him; he stood up for what he believed in and was always willing to help others,” said Brown. “I will truly miss him.”

Brown’s daughter, Kaitlynn, a close friend of White and his daughters recalls some of the happy times with him.

“From being my coach in Little Dribblers to all of the sleepovers we had at their house, he always had something up his sleeve to keep all of us laughing and entertained. I am blessed to have known Mr. Eric all of my life, yet sad that we won’t get to experience those times anymore but it’s so refreshing to know that he’s laughing even louder and smiling even bigger in Heaven with our Savior,” she said.

White married Cynthia, in July 1987 and had two daughters, Lauren Aleese and Leslie Nicole.

Funeral services were held Friday at First Baptist Church in Quitman with the Reverends Charles Brewster and Tony Wofford officiating. A graveside service was held at Muddy Creek Cemetery located in Wood County.

He is survived by eight sisters, two brothers, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and other family, neighbors and friends.