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Willie White Obituary
July 24, 1938 - June 29, 2021
Willie Louis White passed peacefully at his home in El Sobrante, California on June 29, 2021, with Karen his wife of 30 years by his side.
Willie was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on July 24, 1938, to Lieutenant White and Ollie White Edgar. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1960 where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education in 1960.
Willie began his celebrated career in track while attending UC Berkeley. As he worked on his bachelor's degree he competed in numerous events and was twice ranked in the top ten in the world in the men's 100 meter dash.
As the head track coach at Berkeley High School from 1966 to 1984, Willie became one of the most successful California high school track coaches. Willie coached the Berkeley High School team to one of the nation's best and highest achieving records in American High School Track and Field. He was the first coach to ever win both championships for boys & girls, in the same year.
Willie also served as the Assistant Track & Field Coach, and Head Coach of Volleyball at Cal State Hayward (East Bay) from 1984 to 1996. He coached at Pittsburg High School.
In 2010, Willie joined forces with the Oakland Parks and Recreation Department and the 100 Black Men of Oakland and was instrumental in reviving track & field and Girl's Day Sports for Oakland Parks and Recreation.
The City of Berkeley proclaimed July 11th, "Coach Willie White Day" and in 2014 the City of Oakland proclaimed June 7th, "Willie White Day".
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Willie White
Skye Knight Dent
July 15, 2025
He both lived through and helped create some of the best years this country has seen. He will be missed.
Tyrone Bowman
July 2, 2025
Class Mate At Jeff. S56
John Harris
December 30, 2024
I'm very sorry to hear about Mr,White passing. He was a Great Man. Very Smart and Very Godly. I was blessed to have met Mr,White. I worked along side of Him while performing and learning the skills of a Homeward Bound Medical Transporter. He was not only my Boss, but a Great Father figure to me.
Kim Burgess Duckett
July 26, 2021
Once Upon a time, decades ago, my mom (Effie Burgess, eventually Team Mom, eventually Olympic track team chaperone for (2) international events) carried her youngest child (me!) who loved to out run the boys, to a track meet in Mill Valley, CA (I think) This is where I met Coach White, he asked me to run over hurdles in this meet, (for my 1st time! (I was in elementary school then. ) This magical coach had an eye to size a kid up early, give them a challenge and coach them thru their goal. His Track and Field family spans over the decades and we are all in agreement... Well done, Sir! you have planted seeds in future, athletes, coaches Olympians and inspirational leaders. You have a well deserved rest in His peace. Blessings and prayers of comfort to the entire White family. ~ Kim (Burgess) Duckett ~ semi-hurdler....
Skye Knight Dent
July 25, 2021
I remember meeting the force known as Willie White when I moved to Oakland in the 80s as a journalist for the Oakland Tribune. Because I was an editorial writer back then, the publisher (Robert Maynard) regularly gave me and the lead editorial writer a list of names of people of influence doing good in the community. I only had the honor of meeting Willie White a few times. I don't remember what we discussed. But, I certainly remember that smile and the ever present glint in his eyes.
Kim Traber
July 24, 2021
I was on the track team (discus), and soccer team at Berkeley High School, '74-'76. Wasn't particularly good at either, but Coach White was always cheerful and encouraging. I enjoyed the experience, and was in awe of our more talented athletes. He knew how to bring out the best in every player. I can still hear him say, "Don't be lackadaisical!" Bless you, Coach White, and godspeed.
Remus Glaude
July 24, 2021
Mr White was a mentor who instilled confidence in me to do my best at all times on or off the Track. His mentor ship made me a better parent, coworker, family member in general in every part of my life.
Terri L. Spicer
July 23, 2021
In 72´ and 73, I was in middle school. You encouraged us to try something new, to get out of our comfort zones. I would never have known I could do the 800. Track has taught me to persevere in life& that victory is around the corner if you don´t give up. You told us, just because someone is taller than you does not mean they are faster than you. You taught us to lean in.
You were no joke when it came to laps at practice, if you saw us walking you yelled Bryant I see you. This is why we called you Hawkeye. Our Berkeley Track Club was like family.
Victor Hwang
July 23, 2021
I was a member of Coach Willie White's BHS Track team '72 and '73 and BHS Soccer '72-'74.
Although Coach projected a booming voice on the field, I remember him for being a coach who did not intimidate, but nurtured, motivated, and encouraged by his warm, engaging demeanor. Even after an unsuccessful event or a loss, he taught us by example to laugh and have fun.
My condolences to the family. In particular, I send my love to Coach's sweet daughter Sharon, my fellow BHS '74 classmate. Thank you Coach Willie White for impacting my life.
Kandi Gory
July 23, 2021
Thank you for believing in me and encouraging me to be the best I could be. I will always remember me saying," "I like to run, but I don't want to compete"...lol... You thought that was hilarious. I always knew why you laughed when we saw each other in passing.... R.I.P. Coach White
Tom McElheney
July 23, 2021
Coach White's teams were so good, I had to wait until college to try out!
Colonel Julian Bond, US Army (Ret)
July 23, 2021
You inspired & encouraged me to run track however placed a strong emphasis on the "student - athlete" methodology. The early AM track schedule & coaching prepared me for life & the world beyond BHS. Condolences & prayers @coljulianbond
Sue Jyrinki Guffy
July 22, 2021
He encouraged me to be the best I could. He was my coach in track and I broke records for the discus throw with his coaching. BHS 69!!!
Marcel Henry
July 22, 2021
Coach White, thank you for inspiring me to be my very best. I had the honor to run for you in the mid-late 70's as part of the Berkeley-East Bay Track Club and during my freshman year of high school. You were a coaches coach and a true legend. My sincere condolences to your family. You've reached the finish line.
May you Rest in Peace.
Ken Grace
July 22, 2021
You were a shining light and a coach and teacher to all who knew you
Thank You!
Ken Grace
Joseph Elson
July 22, 2021
He also coached the soccer team of which I was a member. Great guy and my favorite teacher at BHS
Janina Woods
July 21, 2021
Willie, thank you for being part of our life, bringing joy, laughter and memories.
Daryl
July 21, 2021
Willie, I was looking up my uncle an saw you. You sound like a great guy. Bless you and your family
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