LAKEWALES, FL – Marvin Peyton White, Sr. of Lake Wales, Florida, died on Thursday, January 15, 2015.  He was 95 years old.

Marvin was born in Gates County on March 5, 1919 to the late Robert Peyton “Pate” and Teresa Taylor White beside the fireplace at the family farmhouse on Sugar Run Road, Sunbury, North Carolina.  After serving his country in the Army Air Corps during World War II, Marvin was mustered out of the service at Avon Park, FL.  It was during this time that he met a young Lake Wales school teacher, Martha Whitehurst, which led to 65 years of marriage. He was a retired sales representative for Draper Furniture Store and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church. He was a charter member and past president of the Lake Wales Lion’s Club, early member and past president of the Passion Play Board, and chairman of the Lake Wales Red Cross for many years.

In addition to his parents, Marvin was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Whitehurst White; his brother, Forrest David White, Sr. and wife, Joyce; and his sister, Elizabeth White Stuber and husband, Robelyn.

Survivors include his five sons, Peyton White and wife, Emily of Orangeburg, SC, Norman White and wife, Elaine of St. Augustine, FL, Stephen White and wife, Wendy of Lake Wales, FL, Gregory White and wife, Tammy of Birmingham, AL, and Andy White of Vero Beach, FL; his brother, Gerald F. White and wife, Sara of Elizabeth City, NC; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held January 18, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jeff Kantz officiating.  A private family burial took place January 19, 2015 at Lake Wales Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Vitas Hospice (6850 New Tampa Highway, Suite 600, Lakeland, FL 33815).

The webcast of the service can be viewed at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com