Thomas Robert "Tommy" White

Thomas Robert White, lovingly known as Tommy, was born on November 11, 1960, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and passed away on January 28, 2026, at the age of 65. He was proudly named after his grandfather, Thomas Owenby, a namesake that reflected the strong family roots from which he came. Tommy leaves behind a legacy rooted deeply in the mountains of Western North Carolina and in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Tommy was born and raised in Black Mountain, a place that shaped his lifelong love for the outdoors and the simple, honest life he lived. A proud graduate of Charles D. Owen High School, Class of 1979, he later made his home in Old Fort, where he lived for the past 36 years.

An avid outdoorsman, Tommy spent much of his life hunting and fishing, especially alongside one of his lifelong friends, David Glenn. Together they shared countless days in the woods and on the water-memories built on early mornings, quiet patience, good stories, and an unspoken bond that only time and friendship can create. Among Tommy's most treasured accomplishments was harvesting a rare white deer, a story he carried with pride. Known for his remarkable skill with firearms, he was an exceptional marksman-legend had it he could strike a match from 100 yards away.

Tommy worked over the years as a machinist and in excavating, trades that supported his life in the mountains, though it was always the outdoors-not the job-that truly held his heart.

Above all else, Tommy was a devoted father. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Melody White, whom he adored beyond measure, and her two children, Luka Morano and Meadow Morano, who brought him immense pride and joy. From the time Melody was young, Tommy made sure she knew the world through his eyes-taking her into the woods, teaching her to hike, fish, hunt, and camp, and instilling in her a love of nature, independence, and quiet strength. He was deeply proud of her education, the woman she became, and her marriage to Trent Morano.

Though Tommy often carried a tough exterior, those who truly knew him understood that beneath it was a man of deep thoughtfulness, compassion, and emotion. He loved fiercely and without pretense. This was never more evident than on the day he gave Melody away in marriage-openly crying during the father-daughter dance, unashamed to show the depth of his love and pride.

Tommy is also survived by his mother, Doris Owenby Brown, and his brothers, Greg White, T.K. Brown, and Roger Brown. He held dear the memories of childhood days spent with his siblings, playing and laughing together at their grandparents' home-moments he often recalled with warmth and nostalgia.

Thomas "Tommy" White will be remembered as a man shaped by the mountains, defined by love for his family, loyal to lifelong friendships, and most at peace in the woods. His legacy lives on in shared stories, well-worn trails, and the hearts of those who were lucky enough to walk beside him.

A celebration of his life will be held by his family at a later date.