Robert James White

Robert James White, age 80, passed away at home in Houston, Texas on Tuesday, October 23, 2018.

Born July 8, 1938 in Houston, Texas. Robert was one of six children born to Fred and Rosa White of Livingston, Texas. Robert was a life long resident of Greater 5th Ward in Houston, Texas. Robert loved everyone but his greatest love was for his grandchildren. He also loved the reward of his work, sports, cooking and serving as a mentor to young African American men in the community. He was known for his green thumb, quick wit, belief in God, generosity and the belief that each generation should do better than the one before. He attended Phillis Wheatley High School before transferring to Booker T. Washington High School, where he was a student athlete (football). Later as a non traditional student he attended Houston Community College and Texas Southern University in pursuit of higher education. He served his country overseas as a member of the United States Army (Honorable Discharge).

As a man of his times, straight out of the army living in Houston Robert worked hard to support his family. In the early years he worked as an Elevator Operator in a segregated downtown office building, a local truck driver and Bemis Bags as a Machinist. Deciding he wanted more for himself and his family and being a man not afraid of hard work he took on two full-time jobs. He was employed with Kem-co Chemicals (day shift) and PPG (night shift). After 30 plus years of dedicated service to both companies he retired with two Gold Watches. At PPG he was a Coatings & Resign Fork Lift Operator. At Kem-co Chemicals he rose from Equipment Operator to Manager. Robert was a proud member of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union where he received several awards for his service and continuous membership.

Robert will be remembered for his full breathe of life but the one thing that will stand out is something he quoted on many a day. “I’m blessed by the best, I don’t worry about the rest”.

Robert’s Survivors include his Daughter Roblyn, Sons Mirum and Shedrick, Daughter-in-Laws Kendal and Carolyn, Grand Children Myranda, Shedrick Jr., Nicole, Morgan, Robert II, Sisters, Wilma and Dorothy, Nieces, Nephews, Grand Nieces and Grand Nephews, Cousins and Dear friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife Annie Jewel, parents Fred and Rosa White, sister Hazel and brothers Herman and Fred Jr.

Visitation Wednesday October 31, 2018, from 9-11:30am. Funeral 11:30am. Services will be held in the Chapel of Ross Mortuary, 3618 Lyons Ave. Interment and military honors will take place at Houston National-V.A. Cemetery 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr.