Ross Wayne White

Ross Wayne White was the second of four sons born to Ballard and Lyndall White on August 21, 1932, in Gustine, Texas. The family later moved to Wink, Texas, where Ross graduated from high school in 1950. On August 28, 1950, Ross married the love of his life, Catherine Josephine Barrett. At just 19 years old, he began his career with Pure Oil Company, living in company housing near Jal, New Mexico. It was there that Ross and Catherine welcomed their three children: Cathy Rene White, Connie Gay White, and Joe Ross White.

Ross later accepted a clerk position with Union Oil in Midland, Texas. The four years the family spent in Midland were a particularly happy and memorable time. That chapter came to a close in September 1968 when Ross was promoted and transferred to Union Oil's Oklahoma City office. Ross and Catherine chose to make their home in Norman, Oklahoma, where Ross faithfully commuted to Oklahoma City for more than 20 years. Not long after arriving in Norman, Ross proudly became a lifelong Oklahoma Sooners fan.

Ross firmly believed in the value of "sweat equity." Entirely self taught, he mastered countless skills, including home renovation, landscaping, gardening, electrical work, plumbing, and roofing. His energy, determination, and work ethic were legendary. Ross was always willing to lend a helping hand to neighbors, friends, and family, and he never accepted payment for his work. Helping others was simply who he was.

Ross was preceded in death by his daughter, Cathy Rene White; his brothers, Guy, Jimmy, and Jackie White; his son-in-law, Marshal Kinsey; and his parents, Ballard and Lyndall White.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Catherine White; his daughter, Connie Kinsey; his son, Joe White, daughter-in-law, Jana White; and his grandchildren, Tracy, Tim, Chris, and Aly. He is also survived by eight great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Ross will be remembered for his generosity, tireless work ethic, deep love for his family, and the countless lives he touched through quiet acts of service.