Dennis Edward "Eddie" White

Dennis Edward "Eddie" White of Gainesville was injured Monday, June 23, 2014, in a freak tree-cutting accident. He died the following Wednesday, June 25. Today, his friends are remembering some of the nice things he did.

Eddie, 67, was born and reared in Anderson, S.C., son of Bobbie Jean and the late E.C. White Jr. He and Carol (Walters) White, his wife of 49 years, moved to Gainesville in 2000. He worked 31 years for Southern Bell, later BellSouth. He retired in 1998 and started his own technology company with his son-in-law, Jerry Jones. But, he gave up the business to be with his wife during her treatments for leukemia. "He sacrificed his career for me," Carol said.

Everybody needs a friend like Eddie White. If you needed help repairing something around the house, Eddie would be there. If you just needed moral support, Eddie would be there. If you needed someone to sing at an event, Eddie would be there -- early.

"Eddie was the most giving person I've ever known," said Sandi Griffin, one of his friends in the choir at Lakewood Baptist Church. "I can't describe the many ways he served my family. He repaired appliances, took care of frozen pipes and cut my grass every week. ... Eddie didn't do for others out of feelings of obligation; he served because he considered it a blessing to do so." Eddie sang bass in the Lakewood Quartet.

Steve Burrell, another fellow singer, said: "His situation in life was not without difficulties, but you would never know it. He got up early every morning and decided to make a positive difference in others' lives. He was so special."

If you've gotten the idea that Eddie liked to associate with singers, you're right. Eddie was brought up singing. His mother, Bobbie Jean White, is a gospel soloist who has sung professionally with nearly a dozen well-known groups.

"Eddie White was my dear and trusted friend," said Bill Risinger, worship pastor at Lakewood church. "I was able to lean on him any time, and he always gave me wise counsel. Eddie loved music, especially Southern gospel music. I don't think we ever rehearsed a song that he didn't suggest we try it a cappella."

After Carol's leukemia was in remission, Eddie did whatever he could to earn money, whether it was working on computers or in someone's yard. He eventually paid off Carol's hospital debt.

Eddie was preceded in death by his father; his grandparents, Dr. E.C. and Mamie White, and Reese Allen and Clara Mae Craft.

Survivors, besides his wife and mother, include his daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Jerry Jones; another daughter, Robin White; and grandchildren Andy and Emilie Jones.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to Lakewood's Guatemala children's fund, Lakewood building fund or Lakewood's music ministry, 2235 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, Ga. 30501.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2014, at Lakewood Baptist Church in Gainesville, with Dr. Tom Smiley and Dr. Jerry Gill officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia 30501. 770-297-6200 is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at
http://www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com/.