Willie J. White

With grateful hearts for a life well lived, the family of Willie J. White lovingly celebrates his journey. Willie, beloved son of the late Luther White, Sr. and Mary R. Debrue-White, was born on July 13, 1950, and peacefully departed this earthly life at his residence on June 5, 2026.

Affectionately known as Dub, Willie attended Kershaw County public schools and built a life marked by dedication, steady work, and quiet strength. He was employed by Columbia Country Club in Blythewood, South Carolina, for 18 years and by Sunbird Boat Company for more than 20 years.

Willie found joy in the simple blessings of life. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, caring for the lawn and watching golf, one of his favorite pastimes.

These moments reflected his love for peace, nature and the comfort of home.  As Willie's earthly journey came to a close, he was reunited with those who went before him in eternal rest. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his five brothers: Nathaniel White, Lindsey White, John White, Luther White, Jr., and Iredell White.

Left to cherish his memory and carry forward his legacy of love are his beautiful wife of 48 years Betty J. Rivers-White; his children, Tiear F. Williams (Andre) of Columbia, South Carolina, Lisa Marie Fries, Denisha Rivers of Lugoff, South Carolina, Jason L. Rivers of Columbia, South Carolina, and Gregory White of Columbia, South Carolina and Lamar R. White of the home.

He is survived by five brothers:  Edward (Delorise) White of Columbia, South Carolina, James White of Blythewood, South Carolina, Herbert White of Elgin, South Carolina, Joe (Charlene) White of Elgin, South Carolina, and Alexander (Jimmie) White of Camden, South Carolina; and two sisters, Queen Williams of Blythewood, South Carolina, and Doris Frederick of Columbia, South Carolina.

He is also survived by his three sisters-in-law:  Patricia White of Columbia, South Carolina, Evelyn White of Dallas, Georgia, and Helen White of Charlotte, North Carolina; as well as six grandchildren:  Niyah Williams, Jayla Williams, Lamar R. White, Jr., Phoenix L. White, Destiny Rivers, and Juno A. Rivers.

Though Willie’s presence will be deeply missed, his love, memories, and the lessons he shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.  He will be dearly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willie J. White, please visit our floral store.