Clifford Octave White Sr.

Clifford Octave White, Senior, peacefully presented before the Lord on February 28, 2023, at the age of 91. Beloved husband for 69 years of the late Shirley May Schober White. He loved to tell the story of the Heaven-sent day when, at the age of 11, he was taking tumbling classes and glanced across the Lea Brandon School of Dance to see the girl who would become his dance partner and soulmate for life. He often said the best decision he ever made was to ask for Shirley's hand in marriage, and the next best was to register for that tumbling class! Cliff was the son of the late Marie Pourciau White and Anthony George White, Senior. He was preceded in death by his three brothers: Anthony George White, Junior (Joyce), Rudolph Joseph White (Beverly), and Robert Eugene White, Senior. Cliff is now reunited with them, his "second parents", Charlie and Yolande Schober, his lifelong preeminent best friend and love of all our lives, Nanan, and his dearest of friends, the late Sister Mary Brian Rafferty. His greatest joy was raising and sharing in the lives of his six children, who later became his closest friends: Charlene Persich (Nick), Clifford Octave White, Jr. (Cherie), Crystal Preskitt (Joe), Charmaine Power (Tim), Cathy Aitken (Jerry), and Connie Holly (Derrick). From this great love of his children came the blessings of not only eleven wonderful grandchildren: Samantha Persich Conde (Andrew), Shane Persich (Jessica), Nicholas Persich (Sarah), Rachael White, Julia White, Brett Preskitt, Charmaine Preskitt Hill (Mark), Jay Preskitt (Katie), Ryan Power (Clare), Madeline Power, and Alexis Comeaux, but also 16 adoring great-grandchildren, whom he deeply cherished. He is additionally survived by his sister-in-law, Paula, as well as his many nieces, nephews, and friends. In his early life, Cliff Senior attended Saint Louis Cathedral Grammar School (Class of 1947), Warren Easton High School (Class of 1951), and Loyola Business School. He was employed in the automotive industry for 48 years, starting his early career in finance and insurance, and ultimately retiring at the age of 80 from 26 years at Lexus of New Orleans. The Leblanc family became his family, as he always had a way of gathering people close in his life. He was a faith filled man who taught others by his example. He treasured his commitment to Manresa and invited many men to become Men of Manresa, including his son, sons-in-law, grandsons, and close friends, all of whom developed a strong dedication to this yearly retreat. He proudly served as Captain of Retreats, and held a record of 72 consecutive retreats. Cliff was a 4th Degree Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus Council 4663, an involvement in which he served as First Degree Team Captain for member recruitment. He was also an active member in Saint Louis King of France parish, where he served as an Extraordinary Minister and Lector for 51 years. He was blessed to work as a line judge for the New Orleans Saints for 33 years. Anyone who knew him understood his joy and excitement while being up close and "dodging those big guys" every week! He spoke fondly of working the field for the Saints games when they were relocated to LSU stadium following Hurricane Katrina. The "Chain Gang" have remained his close friends after many years of action in the Superdome. Cliff loved outdoor life, and especially to be on or near the water to boat and fish. He could be happy dropping a line in a rain puddle! He adored the opportunity to travel and traveled frequently for both business and pleasure. He cherished his many domestic and international adventures with his son, Cliff Junior, who worked for 40 years at Delta Airlines. Who can forget his wonderful, detailed stories, his love of jokes, and his genuine caring "never met a stranger" demeanor? His gentle influence lives on perpetually in each of our hearts. His family is forever thankful for the blessings, love, and support of his constant caregivers: Jerry, Tracy, Emilce, Flora, Melissa, and Rachel. We are also thankful for the love, honor, service, kindness, and security his family of neighbors always offered so freely. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church, 1609 Carrollton Avenue in Metairie, on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 1:00 pm. Recitation of the rosary will begin at 10:45 am, and visitation will be held from 11 am until Mass time. Interment will follow at Lake Lawn Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Cliff's memory to Manresa House of Retreats, www.manresala.org, Saint Louis King of France Knights of Columbus Council 4663, www.sltkchurch.org/kc, or The LSU Brandon Power Fund https://www.lsufoundation.org/s/1585/17/interior.aspx?sid=1585&gid=1&pgid=4102. To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.