Gary Lee White, 61, of Hastings, Mich., passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2020. He was born on July 10, 1958, to parents, Lloyd and Retha White.
He spent the first few years in Morgantown then moved to Brighton, Mich., attending Howell Schools. Gary started working at a young age, and shared memories of this recently. At age 20, he completed his master mechanic certification. He worked in two dealerships in Hastings, Mich., before transferring to Kalamazoo School System. He worked for 23 years in the transportation department as a bus mechanic, retiring two years ago to stay home and enjoy time with his grandkids and dog, Baxter.
Over the years, Gary has been a Chevy man. No Fords allowed in his driveway. He was a huge NASCAR fan, traveling in a converted bus to the Michigan race two times a year and had season tickets to Bristol, Tenn. He went to deer camp several times but not sure he ever hunted. He got his first deer up north (East Jordan, Mich.) on his in-laws’ property. That picture still has center space on the refrigerator. Gary had several buddies that met up every Friday afternoon at Doug’s garage. He didn’t like to travel much lately but loved to talk to anyone who stopped over.
Gary was preceded in death by his brother, Michael White; in-laws, David and Evelyn Graham; and grandparents.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Cindy; mother, Retha, and father, Lloyd; children, Felicity (Orion), of Benbrook, Texas, Robin, of Hastings, Mich., and Scott, of Middleville, Mich.; grandkids, Leila Sweeney, Cohen James, Kinsley Bailey and Graham Smith; brother, David White; as well as uncles, aunts, cousins in West Virginia, a niece, Melissa, and nephew, Todd, of Florida.
Gary was at home as he requested with family and friends under the guidance of Spectrum Health Hospice. A wise little girl said the other day, “Papa will be happy in heaven.”
