Thomas Edward White

1948 - 2025

Thomas Edward White, 76 of Amelia Island, Florida passed away peacefully at home on Friday November 14th.
Tom was born on December 8,1948 in Portsmouth, Virginia to the late Jesse Lee White and Eunice Claire Hitchcock. Growing up in a military family he moved to New Mexico, California, Florida and settled in Corpus Christi, Texas where he graduated high school.
In 1968 he enlisted with the United States Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. He was awarded numerous decorations and medals including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.
He joined the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in 1975 and while working as a police officer he attended the University of North Florida graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 1980. Tom was a patrolman for his first 12 years then became a detective in Intelligence. He was a member of the S.W.A.T. Team for 17 years, the Sheriff's Office Dive Team for 20 years as a rescue diver and becoming a Certified Cave Diver on a team that could go anywhere in the world for underwater cave recovery. He assisted the State Fire Marshal's Office with arson investigations, assisted with Organized Crime investigations, Terrorist investigations, received special training for Dignitary Protection, Domestic Violence, Narcotics and Hostage Negotiation. He received numerous letters for Meritorious Service as well as several "Officer of the Year" awards from his peers.
After 33 years he retired from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and after a short break went back to work as a police officer as campus police office at the University of North Florida in 2009 then the State Fire Marshalls Office retiring in 2019. While at the University of Forida he received a State of Florida "Life Saving Medal" and an award from the Student Government for "Exemplifying Excellence" for rescuing a motorist who drove her car into a pond. "Exemplifying Excellence" along with his name and date were permanently engraved in a paver brick at their entrance inside the campus.
Tom and Becky retired to Amelia Island Florida. It wasn't long before he became involved with helping wherever he could. Neighbors quickly realized he would drop anything to help someone with just about anything. He volunteered at Baptist Medical Center Nassau, he became a "turtler" with the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch, but his first love was being a mentor and running coach to anyone who wanted to complete a race, a marathon or just walk around the block. With his wife by his side, he aspired to run a marathon in every state, a dream they realized despite his developing health issues midway through their quest. His resilience and commitment inspired all who knew him, as he pressed on to complete marathons in all fifty states. Their journey was filled with unforgettable experiences and triumphs. His extraordinary determination was even recognized in medical journals.
He leaves behind his spouse of 25 years, Rebecca White; Children: Jaqueline (Eric) Card, Rachel (Lynwood) Joiner, Summer (Walt) Rivera, Grandchildren: Hunter Tittle, Jaden Rivera and Jasmine Rivera and Great-grandchild: Jade Evelynn.
Funeral services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina Beach on Monday, November 24th at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service.
He will be laid to rest at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch, www.ameliaislandseaturtlewatch.com, in memory of Tom.
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