Joy Cleon White

Joy Cleon White, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, departed this life on Friday, August 8th, 2014 at the Veterans Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. He was born on March 2, 1934 in Hickory Ridge, Arkansas and was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Celia (Lumley) White, and two siblings, a younger brother, Alvin, and his only sister, Erline Taylor. Dad married Frances Louise Jennings on June 11th, 1955, and they raised four children, including three sons and a daughter. Soon after marriage, Joy was drafted into the army and the couple lived for a time in Fort Lee, Virginia and Fort Polk, Louisiana. Following the birth of a son in 1957, and after being discharged from the army, the young family moved to DeKalb, Illinois, where a second son was born in 1960. Soon after, Joy and Frances returned to Cross County where they remain to this day. Upon returning to Arkansas, Joy found employment with Yale Manufacturing in Forrest City, Arkansas, retiring in 1996 after nearly 35 years of service. The Whites also joined Harris Chapel Baptist Church and were faithful members throughout the 1960s. A third son was born in 1963, followed by a daughter in 1972. Eventually, the family moved to Wynne and joined Union Avenue Baptist Church, where Joy was ordained as a deacon, a position he retained until his passing. He also served as a Sunday school teacher, musician and singer. In the late 1970s and early 80s, Joy and Frances owned and operated the BBQ House on Highway 64 in Wynne. Dad also played the guitar and harmonica and had a lifelong love for music. One of his greatest pleasures in his latter years was attending the annual bluegrass music festival at Village Creek State Park and playing music twice a month with friends. He loved traditional country and southern gospel music. The Whites celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2005 and were married for over 59 years at the time of Joy’s passing. In addition to their four children, the couple has 11 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Joy dedicated his life to family and church and to serving Jesus Christ, whom he accepted as Lord and Savior in August 1951. He was a student of scripture and he loved Bible prophecy. He was also an avid fisherman and enjoyed visiting with friends and family, gardening, reading, and watching baseball. Dad was a hard worker and good provider for his family. He treated others with fairness and respect and was well liked by his friends and acquaintances. He was a good citizen and a patriot, serving in the army for two years, a tradition carried on by a son who served in the marines and a grandson presently in the navy. We loved our dad and cherish his memory and his influence over our lives. We are better off having been raised by such loving parents who stayed together through thick and thin and always gave us the attention, care, and discipline we needed. We’re honored to be called his children and we were grateful to be at his side at his passing. He left this world knowing that he was loved and blessed, and that he was going to a better place. We will miss you, Dad, but we will also see you again one day soon in a wonderful place where there will be no more death or pain or sorrow or parting. Joy White is survived by his wife, Frances, and three sons; Richard White of Greenwood, AR, Tim White of Springfield, MO, David White of Wynne; and one daughter, Janet Sherman, also of Wynne. In addition to the grandchildren, Mr. White is also survived by an older half-brother, Wallace Vance, Sr., and a younger brother, Robert White, both of Wynne. Kernodle Funeral Home handled the final arrangements, with the funeral service held at Union Avenue Baptist Church, with pastor Gary Henson officiating. Burial followed at the Arkansas Veteran’s Cemetery at Birdeye on Monday, August 11th. The children of Joy and Frances White

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Joy Cleon White

March 2, 1934 - August 8, 2014