Bob White Jr

Robert Leslie "Bob" White, Jr., 80, local businessman and longtime Columbia native, passed away on August 20, 2013, at NHC Hillview, following a valiant battle with brain cancer.For the past 30-years, Bob was active in real estate in Maury County, serving as a Realtor, Broker and Auctioneer. He was currently affiliated with ReMax Elite of Columbia. He is the past owner of Coldwell Banker, Bob White Realty, and Columbia Auction Company. Bob enjoyed his real estate work because it gave him the opportunity to meet and work with many different people. Bob was a "people person", and making new friends through his work suited him.Born in Columbia, TN on May 13, 1933, he was the son of the late Leslie and Elizabeth Kinzer White of the Sawdust Community in Maury County. He attended Woodrow Elementary School and was a graduate of Columbia Central High School in 1951. He received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Tennessee in 1955, and a Master of Science from the University of Tennessee in 1960. He was active in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity during his college years, loved playing intramural softball, and remained a dedicated UT supporter and fan throughout his life.Following college, he was drafted into the United States Navy and served two years in the Submarine Division stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After an honorable discharge in 1961, he returned to Tennessee and began a career with Eli Lilly and Schering Drug Companies for several years. Bob began work at Columbia State Community College in 1968. He served as Director of Auxiliary Enterprises, and began teaching Agri-Business Technology in 1969, as an instructor and later as assistant professor. During 1973, Bob was instrumental in the develop-ment of the Animal Hospital Technology program and continues today as the Veterinary Technology program. In 1977, he opened the Captain D's Seafood Restaurant in Columbia, and as co-owner/manager operated this store and another in Corinth, Mississippi for the next six years. Along with Bob's diverse careers, he loved the country and maintained the family "Century Farm" Whistle Top, on Parsons Bend Road in the Sawdust Community. Bob took great pride in the historical background of his family farm, which dated back to 1819, with continuous family ownership.Life wasn't all work by any means. If you played softball in Columbia, TN, you probably knew Bob White. He played and managed many teams throughout the years. Including the original First United Methodist Church Softball team and the Tennessee Tire Industrial League Team. One of Bob's greatest passions was softball and he played until he was in his late 50's. Bob was an avid Atlanta Braves fan along with all sports at the University of Tennessee. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing and taking the grandchildren for rides on the 4-wheeler. He also had a great attachment to the Tennessee Walking Horse business, as he and his father raised brood mares and sold yearlings each year at the Shelbyville sale. Bob was always active in his community, belonging to many civic organizations and a longtime member and supporter of First United Methodist Church of Columbia, where he held several positions throughout the years, as well as being an active member of the Chancel Choir for over 40-years. He is survived by his wife of 25-years, Faye Derece (Dee) Mitchell White, and three children, Deborah Temple, Linda Hicks (Richard) and Terrance White, and two stepdaughters, Lara Litterini (Norm) and Rebecca Gebhardt (Josh). He was the proud grandfather of four grandchildren and four step-grandchildren, whom he loved very much: Drew Jones, Rachel Hicks, Leslie & Samantha Temple, Sydney Dailey, Reese Gebhardt, Stephen & Aaron Litterini. He is also survived by one sister, Doris Hancox (Jack) and several cousins, nieces and one nephew. The family will hold visitation in the Atrium of First United Methodist Church in Columbia, TN from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM on Saturday, Aug. 24th. A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held in the church sanctuary at 11:00 AM with Rev. Melinda Britt and Rev. Donna Higginbotham officiating. Oakes & Nichols will be handling the arrangements. Condolences may be offered online at www.oakesandnichols.com.Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Bill McEwen, Steve Johnson, Jim McCord, John Jackson, Jerry Battles, Richard Hicks, Norm Litterini, Josh Gebhardt, Debra Slone and Freddie Morton; ReMax Elite Realtors & Staff; FUMC Chancel Choir. Memorials have been requested for the National Brain Tumor Society, East Coast Office, 55 Chapel St., Suite 200, Newton, MA 02458 or the First United Methodist Church - Chancel Choir at 222 W. 7th. St., Columbia, TN 38401. The family expresses their thanks and appreciation to the staff and volunteers of NHC Hillview, Columbia, and especially Administrator, Edward Moore, Dr. Cummins Couch & Mrs. Karen Perry for their skills, professionalism and most of all their compassion during this difficult time. Also to the staff of St. Thomas Hospital Neurological Critical Care, and Dr. Scott Standard.