Verdis Ray White

Verdis Ray White, 88, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 23, 2014.

Verdis was born in Gilmer Station and grew up in Sand Ridge, Calhoun County, "West by-God Virginia" as he always called it. During World War II, he served as a machine gunner in the infantry, was captured in the Battle of the Bulge, and received a Purple Heart. After the war he moved to Akron, married, raised his family, and worked at Babcock and Wilcox until he retired in 1990.

He was very active in his sons' Pee Wee football leagues in Kenmore, and manager of the Bantam football team in East Akron. He was also an active church member, most recently at Tallmadge United Methodist Church.

Preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Allie Dolores, and his brother, Clarence, Jr., Verdis is survived by his sister, Mildred Simmons, sons Gene and Jerry, grandchildren Aryeh, Jessica, and Melissa, and daughter, Karen Booth.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, 10 a.m. at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Verdis' memory to Tallmadge United Methodist Church, 207 North Munroe Rd, Tallmadge, OH 44278.

Anyone who knew Verdis, knew he was always around to lend a helping hand. He will be greatly missed.