Mr. Albert E. White

A Life Well Lived.......... Mr. Albert Etha White, age 80, peacefully transitioned into the loving arms of the Lord on December 3, 2025 - surrounded by family, love, and the presence of God. A native son of Gainesville, Florida, Albert was born on December 4, 1944, to Altameze Henry and the late Willie White, Sr., and lovingly raised as the stepson of Elmer Henry. His life was a living testament to faith, service, excellence, and unwavering devotion to family, and tireless stewardship of community.

He attended Williams Elementary School and the historic Lincoln High School, graduating in the Class of 1962. At Lincoln, he distinguished himself as both an honor student and an outstanding athlete, lettering in basketball, football, track, swimming and tennis. While in high school, Albert became a certified lifeguard under Andrew Mickle, and taught hundreds of young people to swim. He was also the captain of the Lincoln swim team. His athletic gifts earned him a swimming scholarship to North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Aggie Pride!) Albert graduated from North Carolina A&T in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology Pre-Med. His commitment to education continued as he later earned a Master's Degree in Animal Physiology from the University of Florida, further anchoring his legacy as a scholar and leader.

Albert dedicated 29 years of service to Gainesville Regional Utilities, where he became the first African American Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager at Kanapaha and Main Street locations. He later became GRU's Director of Community Relations and a member of the Executive Staff, earning him the distinction of becoming the first Black person to serve at this C-Suite level. He also made history within the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, serving five years as Vice President and Interim Executive Director, becoming the first African American to hold both positions. His leadership opened doors and paved pathways for many who followed.

Albert's community involvement was extensive and deeply impactful. He served faithfully throughout his life in countless capacities to uplift Greater Gainesville and Alachua County. Though not exhaustive, a small portion of his time, talent, and treasure was spent serving as:

Co-Founder - GRITS (Gainesville Review of Issues and Trends of Self Action), a group that followed local governmental issues affecting the black community

Founder of East Gainesville Relay for Life

Board of Directors - American Cancer Society

Board of Directors - First Credit Union

Board of Directors - Cotton Club Museum

Board of Directors - East Gainesville Development Corporation

Charter Member - Black on Black Crime Task Force

Co-Founder - MI-BOY (Men Involved in Building Our Youth), a mentoring group that served Black male youth

Co-Founder of BLAQUE (Bold Leaders Achieving Quality Unity Excellence) in conjunction with 4A's and the University of Florida Football Program under Coach Urban Meyer

Member - Gainesville Police Department Advisory Board

Co-Chair of Black on Black Crime Task Force

Member of NAACP

Gainesville Arts & Parks Foundation Treasurer

Member - Alachua County School Board 1 Mil Oversight Committee

Member - The University of Florida's Pre-Eminence Committee

Founder and President of Lincoln High School Alumni Association

Guardian Advocate, Tacachale

Consultant for Plum Creek (Weyerhaeuser) Development Company

Albert was a man of inexplicable joy who had a resolute conviction in the word of God. He was a devoted lifetime member of Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, where he diligently served as chairman of the Trustee Board and led the Finance Team with integrity and purposeful commitment.

Albert along with his best friend, Isaac Jones became entrepreneurs when in the late 70's they opened Swifty Convenience Store on SE 7th Avenue. Later on, they opened Swifty #2 on the corner of 5th Avenue and 10th Street. In 2011, Albert and Isaac trail blazed again when they opened 2 Friends Coffee Shop at the 5th Avenue location.

Albert received numerous awards and commendations throughout his life, honoring his civic leadership, community advocacy, and his extraordinary ability to bring people together for a common purpose. His life's work was rooted in service, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations. Some of his recognitions include:

Recipient - 2004American Cancer Society HOPE Award

Recipient - Santa Fe Community College-Alachua County Public Schools Exemplary College-Career Tech Prep Partner Leadership Award (2006)

Recipient - Lincoln High School Alumni Association Inc. (1999) Hall of Fame Award

Recipient - Florida A&M University Advocate Award

Recipient - National Association of Social Workers 2001 Citizen of the Year Award

Recipient - City of Gainesville, Supervisor of the Year

Recipient - Social Action Award, presented by Phi Beta Sigma

Recipient - Alpha Phi Alpha Leadership Award

Recipient - Vivian Washington Filer Achievement Award

Enshrined in MLK Hall of Fame, 2024 Award Recipient

Grand Marshall of the 2024 Annual SugarHill Community Parade

Recipient of Ebony Appreciation Award - Community Service

One of Albert's greatest lifetime achievements was serving as the visionary behind the Lincoln High School Memorial Wall. As Founder and President of the Lincoln High School Alumni Association, he was committed to preserving history and honoring the legacy of those who came before him. With the faithful support of his beloved wife, Ora and the Alumni Association, Albert saw the project through from vision to completion. It was as if God sealed his life's purpose by allowing him to witness its unveiling - a powerful legacy that will live on for generations.

His admiration of the training he received at Lincoln led Albert to co-author a book, "Lincoln High School: Its History and Legacy."

Albert married the love of his life, Ora White, 57 beautiful years. They met at their beloved North Carolina A&T and formed a lifelong bond that has inspired and served as a roadmap for many. From their sacred union came three wonderful children - Bridgette (DeLarseIII), Marcus (Carol), and Candace (Terry) - each of whom carries forward his compassion, his integrity, and his joy for life.

He was a proud grandfather to his precious grandchildren - Kinnidie (Nicholas), DeLarse IV, Baylon, Solomon, and Onar, who brought him immeasurable joy. He also has one great-grandchild, Khalil Montgomery. Albert cherished every moment spent with them - traveling, storytelling, and showering them with wisdom rooted in experience and love.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Altameze Henry, father, Willie White, Sr., stepfather Elmer Henry, aunt, Barbara Higgins and brother Willie White Jr. He also leaves to mourn his siblings: Brothers - Charles Henry, Scherwin Henry (Charmaine), Michael Henry (Bonnie); sisters - Janice Henry, Viola Jones (Woody); a special cousin - Yvonne Higgins McDowell; God-son - Marvin Mosely; God-daughters - Michelle Bryant and Yvette Carter (Wade);

Best Friends - Isaac Jones and Billy Richmond

He also leaves to mourn his Brother-In-Laws -James Driskell (Althea), Joel Driskell (Terry), Sister-In-Law - Leola Holloway and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Albert enjoyed exercising, dancing, listening to jazz and Doo-Wop music, traveling with his beloved wife, and spending time with his family - especially his grandchildren, who lit up his world.

We celebrate his life.

We honor his legacy.

We thank God for the gift of Albert Etha White.

N LIEU OF FLOWERS, WE ARE REQUESTING DONATIONS TO COMPLETE THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL WALL.

Our beloved father, Albert E. White-founder and president of the Lincoln High School Alumni Association-was also the visionary behind the Lincoln Memorial Wall.

We are working to raise $25,000 to complete the wall and fully seal his vision. This is your opportunity to be part of history. Your contribution will help ensure that the legacy of Lincoln High School remains alive and honored for generations to come.

The Lincoln High School Alumni Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. There is no amount too big or too small-every gift moves this legacy forward.

Donate Electronically https://www.paypal.biz/lincolnalumniass

Donate by MailMake checks payable to:

Lincoln High School Alumni Association, Inc. or LHSAA

Mail to:

LHS Alumni Association

P.O. Box 5915

Gainesville, FL 32627-5915

Public Visitation and Viewing for Mr. White will be Friday, December 19, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, 120 SW Williston Road, Gainesville, FL 32641. A wake will follow from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Adrian Taylor, Pastor. To view the funeral service via livestream please use the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/RQKAjl3x9jA?si=gitfngfXslbVEzoQ

Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, 401 SE 21st Street, Gainesville, FL 32641.

"A CHESTNUT SERVICE"