William Jay White, Sr.

STAUNTON, VA... William Jay “W. J.” White, 81, died on Friday morning at Brightview at Baldwin Park.  He was married to Ramona Deen, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Deen, on December 3, 1960 in Cebu City, Philippines. He was born April 10, 1937 in Willard, Ohio, son of the late George and Lucille (Bradner) White.W.J. retired as a Gunnery Sergeant from the United States Marine Corps after 20 years of service. He earned a Purple Heart during his time in Vietnam.  He retired as a Captain from the Department of Corrections after more than 20 years of service.  Bill was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Staunton VFW Post 2216, the NRA, and the Disabled American Veterans.  He was an avid chess enthusiast and coin collector, and enjoyed hunting, racquetball and going to the ballet and to casinos.  Survivors in addition to his wife of 57 years include his daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia (White) and David Little; three sons and daughters-in-law, Walter William and Rhonda White, William Jay, Jr. and Jenifer White, and Christopher “Mac” and Liz White; fourteen grandchildren; and one great granddaughter, Ava White. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by two brothers, George “Bud” White and Donnie White; and two sisters, Betty Kirkendall and Dorothy Dessenberg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 13, 2018 in St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.  Burial will follow at Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens.  Graveside military rites provided by the United States Marine Corps. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening , September 12, 2018 at Henry Funeral Home. The White Family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the nurses and staff of Brightview Wellspring Village, the Veteran Administration Home Based Primary Care Team in Staunton, the staff of Augusta Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and the staff of Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 or to the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 30, P. O. Box 1621, Waynesboro, VA 22980.