Leslie B. White, Sr.

Published 10:54 am Monday, January 11, 2016

WOODLAND – Mr. Leslie Brown White, Sr., age 91, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, January 6, 2016.

Leslie B. White, Sr.

He was born on May 25, 1924, as the first child to Annie Brown White and Berry Lee White in Menola, NC. Born into a Quaker family, he had a birthright membership in Up River Friends Meeting in Belvidere.

Leslie attended Sunbury School in Gates County. He went on to attend Guilford College in Greensboro, before being drafted into the US Army during World War II. He served his country in the European Theatre, in England, France, Belgium and Germany. It was in the Army that he began his life-long career with the US Postal Service.

Leslie met and married the love of his life, Valentine Cotton of Franklin, VA. Valentine and Leslie (or “Gus” to Valentine) made their home in Woodland, where they shared a strong and happy marriage for over 70 years.

Leslie continued his postal career in Woodland, eventually serving as Postmaster for 23 years. He received a 40-year service award from the USPS, and had over 41 years of total service.

Leslie was a member of Pendleton Masonic Lodge No. 418; past Men’s Club President and Secretary; past District Director of the NC Chapter of the National Association of US Postmasters; and charter member of the Woodland Volunteer Fire Department. He helped organize the Woodland Rescue Squad in 1961 and remained in its primary leadership role for two decades.

He loved his community service, and especially his church. He devoted his life to his Lord and Savior, his family, and his community. As a faithful member of the Woodland Baptist Church, he served as a member and Chairman of the Board of Deacons for several terms, as well as Sunday School Superintendent, teacher, and member of countless committees. But his favorite service was as a member of the church choir. Leslie loved to sing. He sang tenor in the choir, with his friends in a quartet and trio, and at countless weddings and funerals.

Leslie’s voice led him to other interests, as well. He enjoyed being the announcer for several local events, especially the annual Woodland Horse Show. Leslie enjoyed a good baseball or basketball game; he loved a good joke and could tell a good story. He will remain an inspiration to his family and his many friends.

Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife, Valentine Cotton White; brother, Frances Lee White; and first grandchild, Jonathan Samuel Ledbetter.

He is survived by their children, Dianne White Ledbetter, of New Bern; Leslie White, Jr. and wife Cathy Warren of Wake Forest; and John V. White and wife Pamela of Cary; his sister, Margaret Chalkley, of Rockville, MD; and two grandchildren, Ben Ledbetter of Rutherfordton and Valerie White Maguire and husband Dave, of San Antonio, TX.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to extended family members, Rose Bennett, and other loving caregivers who allowed Gus and Valentine to live out their days in their own home, with love and constant care.

The family will receive friends at the Woodland Baptist Church Fellowship Hall prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2015.

A Celebration of Life service will follow in the Woodland Baptist Church Sanctuary at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Heath Lloyd and Rev. Lamar Wheeler officiating.

The interment with military honors will follow at the Woodland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Woodland Baptist Church, PO Box 444, Woodland, NC 27897.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service of Rich Square is handling the arrangements for the White family and online condolences may be directed to the family at www.garrettsykesfs.com.