Dewey White, Jr

Dr. Dewey Anderson White, Jr., of Mountain Brook passed away peacefully at his home on October 24, 2013. Dr. White was a loving family man, a gifted and caring physician, a concerned and effective statesman, and a dedicated and faithful spiritual leader. He spent his life selflessly caring and giving to others. He was a man of great conviction, comforting optimism and compassion, with never ending energy and drive. Dr. White was born January 28, 1923 in Atlanta, GA where he grew up and attended Boys High School. He earned a B.S. degree at Birmingham Southern College where he was president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and met his future wife of 68 years, Lil Culley. He completed 2 years at the Alabama School of Medicine in Tuscaloosa and later completed his medical degree at the University of Virginia Medical School in 1947. Following two years of service in the U.S. Navy during WW II, Dr. White completed his residency at Children's Hospital in Birmingham. With a great passion for caring for children, Dr. White opened a private practice in a small converted house directly across the street from Crestline Elementary School in Mountain Brook. He remained at that location during most of his private medical career and treated thousands of local residents. Throughout his life he never tired of former patients approaching him and reminiscing about past medical experiences and successes. In addition to his private practice, Dr. White was very involved with the local hospitals and served as president of staff at Children's Hospital. He later organized the Department of Pediatrics at Baptist Medical Center- Montclair and served as its Chief of Staff. In 1974, following a need to serve his state and country, Dr. White was elected to the Alabama State House of Representatives. He ran again in 1978 for Alabama State Senate and served until 1982. Dr. White did not seek re-election in 1982, but left Montgomery with a sense of accomplishment toward better health and treatment for the citizens and children of Alabama. He was later appointed to the Alabama Commission of Environmental Management and remained on that committee until 1992. Soon after his first term in office Dr. White relinquished his interest in his private practice to his partners, but continued to practice medicine. He became Professor of Pediatrics and Medical Director of student health at UAB, where he treated many of the same patients that he had seen as children. In 1987, Dr. White retired from his professional career to spend more time with his family and pursue new opportunities to help others, especially children. He was recognized by numerous organizations for his commitment to family and his dedication to children. Among these were Eagle Forum "Father of the Year" in 1984, 1989 President's Award from Shades Valley Kiwanis Club, and 1991 "Friend of the Family" Award from Alabama Family Alliance. Dr. White served on the board of directors for Young Life, Youth for Christ, Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, Kirkwood by the River, and The King's Ranch. Dedicated to the ministry of helping hurting children, he served as Executive Director of the King's Ranch for 2 years, CEO and Chairman of the Board, and later was named Emeritus Life member of the Board of Directors. He was a tireless fundraiser for those causes close to his heart and became active in the American Village effort. He was Chairman of Colonial Chapel Committee of the American Village and highly instrumental in the construction of the chapel. A part time farmer most of his adult life, Dr. White spent endless hours on his tractor or in the fields with his children, grandchildren and his friends Walter and Alvin. His interests were varied. He had a grass farm in Montevallo, a peach farm in Thorsby (which he later gave to King's Ranch Home for Unwed Mothers) and his beloved blueberry farm in Pelham. He always loved sharing his joy of farming with his children and grandchildren. Dr. White was a lifelong member of South Highland Presbyterian Church where he served as Deacon, Elder, Trustee, Presbytery Representative, and a Sunday School teacher for over 40 years . He was a tireless and devoted servant of his Church and his heavenly Father. Dr. Dewey White was a true renaissance man with a love of family, God and country. He was a wonderful father, a loving husband, a faithful follower of his Savior and a true friend to children in need. He will be deeply missed and always remembered by all who knew him. Dr. White was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Anderson White, Sr. and his brother, Dr. Grover Watts White of Gastonia, NC. He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Lilian Culley White; his children Lilette W. Robinson, Nancy W. Griffin (Kevin), Janet W. Marett, Andy White (Nannette); grandchildren, Andy Puckett (Meagan), Glen Puckett (Heather), Van Kirchoff (Alana), Brett Kirchoff (Molly), Kellie Terrell (Tommy), John Griffin, Andrew Griffin, Nolan Griffin, Chip Marett (Kathryn), Laura Marett (Scott Wilkening), Britt Marett (Gabe Hein), Claire Marett, Anderson White (Lauren), ; great grandchildren, Anderson and Ava Jane Puckett, Cooper and Lily Puckett, Kendall and Kade Kirchoff, Mary Nolan Terrell, Kiley and Briggs Marett, Olive Hein; two sisters-in-law, Betty Pendle White, Martha Ross Culley, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to give a special thanks to Alvie Seaman and Emma Loyd for their loving care and concern. The family will receive friends from 3-4 PM, Sunday, October 27, 2013, at South Highland Presbyterian Church. Memorial service will follow at 4 PM in the church sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to South Highland Presbyterian Church, the King's Home, or the American Village.