Eddie Lee White

Dr. Eddie Lee White, age 87, of Muskogee, Oklahoma entered into his heavenly home and eternal life on July 14, 2024, after a courageous 42 days as a patient at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center, Muskogee followed by 6 days at home on Hospice Care. His faith is now sight. Dr. Eddie Lee White was born April 2, 1937 to Barney Penny White and Argal Adele (Smith) White in San Bernadino, California. Eddie was preceded in death by both parents and a sister, Geri Sexton, two infant daughters and his first wife Ruth Ann White. He is survived by his spouse, Catherine Laurel White, with whom he shared faith, hope and love in a marriage of 27 years. He shared a family life with sons Kevin, Kraig and Kyle White and stepsons Eric, Philip, and Ryan York, and other sons who were considered family members by inclusion: NAM, Duong, George, Danny, Johnny, James. Eddie grew up in California and graduated from Colton Union High School in Colton, California in June 1955, where he was involved in four athletic sports – football, basketball, wrestling and baseball. He graduated from San Bernadino Valley College in 1969. He enlisted in the Navy in 1956 for Active Duty followed by some years in the Navy Reserve for a total of 15 years and an Honorable Discharge. When he was in the Navy, he became a Radar Man. He also was an employee of the Southern California Gas Company as a meter reader for 12 years. After the military service, Eddie was called into Christian Service, attended Missionary Baptist College, Sacramento, California, was ordained at Bible Baptist Church, San Bernadino, California and received a Doctorate in Ministries from Bethany Theological Seminary, Dothan, Georgia, June 11, 1987. He served the Lord either in pastoral positions or in what was called a Ministry of Helps in California, Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. He began as a pastor at Baptist Church of the Foot Hills, Tujunga, California, and eventually at New Faith Baptist Church, Muskogee, also at Norwood Lakeview Baptist Church, Hulbert, Oklahoma and finally at First Baptist Church, Sasakwa, Oklahoma from 2007-2012. Along with pastoring, he started 5 Christian schools K-12. Eddie assisted on the faculty as a tutor for mathematics at Boulevard Christian School in Muskogee and one of his sons graduated from Boulevard Christian School. Eddie and his first wife, Ruth Ann, came to Muskogee in 1987 where he developed other interests in the community which included playing golf with friends, becoming a Director and member for a local Senior Citizens’ Bridge Club along with being on a Bowling Team at Green Country Lanes in Muskogee. His spiritual gifts included being a teacher (Bible and mathematics) and a passion for skillfully teaching Sunday School classes, Soul Winning classes and the Book of Revelation chapter by chapter. He was also an adjunct faculty member for Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He considered himself an “average bowler” but did bowl his highest score of 655 in 2013. Years ago, Eddie was on the Board of Directors at the Gospel Rescue Mission, Muskogee, Oklahoma. While being the Pastor of First Baptist Church, Sasakwa, Oklahoma, for 5 years (2007-2012), Ed belonged to a motorcycle club of FAITH RIDERS and had his very own motorcycle of which he was very proud. He hated to part with that precious cycle because it meant so much to him as well as the fellowship at monthly meetings with other Faith Riders from his church and the surrounding area. Memorial donations in Dr. White’s memory may go to the Muskogee Gospel Rescue Mission or to World Missionary Press, New Paris, Indiana. A celebration of Eddie’s life will be 12PM, Monday July 22, 2024 at Grandview Baptist Church with Rev. Jay McAlister and Rev. Gary Choate officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Gibson National Cemetery.

Eddie Lee White

April 2, 1937 - July 14, 2024