Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at Friendship Baptist Church in Grenada for Mr. Bobby White, 85, of Grenada, who died on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, in Jackson surrounded by his loving family following complications from surgery. The family received friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday evening, Sept. 25, and one hour prior to the service on Friday, Sept. 26, all at Friendship Baptist Church.
Bobby was born at home on Sept. 10, 1940, the son of the late Mary Sue Whitten and the late Johnnie Melvin White. Affectionately known to family as “Bobby Don,” “Don” and “Uncle Don,” he was lovingly called “Bobby White” by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He lived a life marked by faith, family and hard work.
Bobby’s life reflected the truth of Scripture: “Do not despise small beginnings,” (Zechariah 4:10). He was born into a family that endured hardship with perseverance, faith and hard work.
At the age of eight, Bobby lost his mother, but her love of education left an indelible mark on him. He valued learning and instilled that value in his children and grandchildren. He graduated from S.D. Lee High School in Columbus, having also attended high schools in Panama City, Fla., and Clarksville, Tenn., while traveling with his father for construction work. Throughout his life, he worked tirelessly to ensure his family had every opportunity to further their education.
From his father, Bobby inherited a gift for carpentry and a steadfast work ethic. He began his career with Conn Construction in Columbus where he met and married Janice Shields. While living in Columbus, Bobby also gave his life to Christ at Canaan Baptist Church, beginning a lifelong walk of faith and service.
After moving his young family to Grenada with his job with Conn Construction, Bobby later became an independent painting contractor and then a custom home builder, finding joy and deep friendships through his craft. His career expanded as he served as the first Buildings and Properties Manager for Sunburst Bank in Mississippi and Louisiana, later as a regional manager for Union Planters Bank, and then for Regions Bank. He concluded his career as Buildings and Facilities Manager of athletic properties at Ole Miss. Known for his dedication, problem-solving skills, loyalty and humor, Bobby left a lasting impression everywhere he worked.
In 1965, Bobby joined Friendship Baptist Church where he faithfully served for the rest of his life. A deacon until his passing, he continued sending calls and texts of encouragement from his hospital bed. He taught the Men’s Sunday School class for 54 years, sang in the choir and chaired the long-range planning committee, helping to envision and oversee several building projects. All that he did was marked by humility and a servant’s heart.
Above all, Bobby loved his family. He ended every prayer at family gatherings with the words, “I love You, Lord, and I love my family.” He never settled for less than their best, yet always offered praise for a job well done. His steady encouragement, faithful presence at events big and small — even dance recitals — and, above all, his example of devotion to Scripture, prayer and obedience to the Lord remain his greatest legacy.
In addition to his parents, his three brothers, Willard White, Johnnie White and Richard White, preceded Bobby in death.
Survivors include, his wife of 65 years, Janice White; two daughters, Gwen Graham (Chip) of Grenada and Janet Burford (Tommy) of Greenville; three grandchildren, Whitney Woods (Travis), Scott Graham (Ashlynn) and Will Burford (Grace) and six great grandchildren, Mary Gwen, Betsy Woods, Walt Woods, Jack Woods, Mary Clare Graham and Scotty Graham.
Phillip Avery Jr., Will Burford, Scott Graham, Samy McCracken, Barry Moss, Randy Poss, Don Thomas, Billy White and Travis Woods honored Bobby by serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were deacons and members of the Men’s Sunday School class at Friendship Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Friendship Baptist Church Building Fund.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
