William "Dee" White was a loving husband, father, and mentor. He was born on April 14, 1947, in Cleveland, TN to William Donald White and Joyce Berry White. Dee moved to Nashville to attend David Lipscomb College (BA) and later graduate school at the University of Tennessee (MS). It was in Nashville that one evening while leading a prayer group, he grabbed hold of the warm hand of Barbara "Barbi"
Willis, sparks flew, and he never let go. Dee and Barbi were married in 1972. Dee worked for Cumberland House as a teacher and liaison director before going into full-time ministry as a youth and family life pastor. Dee found his calling working with families, men's groups, fathers and sons, fathers and daughters, and in the process become a surrogate father touching so many lives. He loved the outdoors, laughing, and UT football. Dee had a second career as marriage and family counselor, working alongside Barbi. Together they devoted themselves to helping families repair relationships and learn new ways of living life together. Dee was the father of four children, Daddy Dee to thirteen grandchildren, and mentor and father figure to many more. Dee was diagnosed with Parkinson's and Dementia in 2010. He spent the remainder of his life being lovingly cared for by his life partner Barbi.
Though he suffered the effects of debilitating disease, he never lost his love for his family and friends, his sense of humor, or his deep connection with God. Our Dee passed from this life to the next on August 13, 2022. He is remembered by his wife Barbi, sister Repsy Crisp, and family, Joshua and Hillary White (Noah, Abigail, Judah, Ezra), Aaron and Rachel White (Katelyn, Jake, Bredens, Ferlando), Micah and Dawn White (Aurora, Simeon), and Justin and Betsie Carlson (Benjamin, Annalise, Amos).
We will celebrate Dee's life on September 10, 2022, at:
Belmont Church
68 Music Square East
Nashville, TN 37203
Visitation: 1:00 - 2:15pm
Memorial: 2:30pm
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to:
Chosen Generation
Ministry to Ukraine
Daniel and Tetyana Yarbrough
Online: ChosenGenerationVinnitsa.com
Mail checks: Chosen Generation 4507 Belmont Park Terrace Nashville, TN 37215
Visits: 28
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors