Robert White - Obituary

n Wednesday, June 17, 2009, the beloved husband of Michelle A. White; father of Kimberly A., Stephen N. and the late Robert Leon White; Step-father of Kwame L. Mair; brother of Yvonne F. Harris, Nathaniel C. and Vincent M. White; grandfather of Niambi S. White and Leondre D. Massey; father-in-law of Sonja B. White; devoted friend of Stephanie A. White. Family and friends are invited to Robert's Life Celebration on Thursday, July 2 from 6 to 9PM at GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd. Oxon Hill MD and on Friday, July 3 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 5416 Henderson Way, Camp Springs, MD. from 10:30AM until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30AM. Interment on Monday, July 6 at 9:00AM at Arlington National Cemetery. Master Sergeant Robert Lee White, Sr., USA (Ret.) March 7, 1956 – June 17, 2009 “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine, O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood!” This is his story, this is his song, praising his Savior, all his life long -- This is his Story; This is his Song, Praising his Savior--all his life long... He was an incredible ball of energy who, through the hills and valleys, clung steadfast to his power source, his strength, Jesus Christ. He used his God-given gifts to surpass all barriers and leave a trail of excellence. He garnered respect from all persons, regardless of age, title, social or economic status and made many ask, “Who was that man?” He was the man with a heart of gold, who used his blessings to reach the world. He was the man who faithfully loved his family, friends and willingly extended himself to serve and foster the very best in children through his mentoring and tutoring. He was the servant who allowed God to use him fully to His glory; he used his breath during his final days on earth to joyfully sing praises unto the Lord, “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine…” Robert Lee White was born in Miami, Florida on March 7, 1956 to the late Nathaniel Sr., and the late Agatha Finley White. He was the third born of their four children; Yvonne, Nathaniel Jr., Robert, and Vincent. From an early age, he was cherished and adored by all whom he encountered. “Bobby” was the friendly, chubby boy with the big smile and giant-sized charm who everyone gave ‘extra helpings' because he was extremely polite, always willing to give a helping hand, and radiated an easy, warm, joyful spirit. He was at ease with his elders and would take time to just sit, laugh, and talk or run errands. Initially, Robert's parents bought Nathaniel Jr. a percussion set, but Robert became more fascinated by the instrument. Nathaniel Jr., decided to teach him how to play the drums and unleashed Robert's passion for music. Throughout Robert's middle school and high school years, he held many leadership positions in band and won countless honors at the local, county, and state levels. Robert graduated from Miami Central High School in Miami, Florida (class of 1975). Under the tutelage of his high school band director and long time friend, Mr. Kenneth Tolbert, he led by example always setting the highest standard of excellence. Robert captured the attention of Florida and the world renowned Marching “100” Band of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida, directed by Dr. William P. Foster. He was one of the best snare drummers to march in the Marching “100.” He was a profoundly talented musician and leader who maintains the respect of his peers today because of his accomplishments at FAMU. In no time, Robert captured the attention of the nation. In Robert's senior year of college, he was invited to audition to become a member of one of the most prestigious bands in the world, The United States Army Band,” Pershing's Own.” Robert packed his bags and traded in his orange and green uniform for his next destination, Fort Myer, Virginia. He had become the man who would be called upon to represent his country and perform throughout the world for countless ceremonies for Dignitaries and Presidents. He played for the Inaugurations of President James E. Carter Jr., President Ronald W. Reagan, President George H. W. Bush, and President William J. Clinton and for the first inauguration of President George W. Bush. Robert was a member of the most elite, special U. S. Army Band “Pershing's Own Ceremonial Band and the even more elite special unit of “Pershing's Own”, the Herald Trumpets. Robert played the complex, intricate rope drum; a position reserved for the very few elite percussionists. During his career in the Army Band, he concurrently served stints as EEOC officer and as recruiter for the band. He always included FAMU in his tours. Robert traveled all over the world during the twenty-two years he served in the military. He retired from the United States Army Band, “Pershing's Own,” in 2000. Robert was christened as a baby at St. Mary's Wesleyan Methodist Church in Miami, Florida and remained a faithful member until he left to attend college. He was a member of the Episcopal Church for many years, but longed to return to Miami and to the church of his youth. He loved the Lord and thanked Jesus not only with his lips, but in his life through giving selfless service and continual praise unto His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Robert read the Bible, prayed and meditated daily. His faith in his God was absolute. He was the man who loved his family dearly. His first marriage with Stephanie Arbuckle White produced three beautiful children, Stephen, and Kimberly; Robert Leon died in a military accident in 2002. Although Robert and Stephanie were divorced, they maintained a genuine, close friendship until his death. He was the ever-loving husband, father, grandfather (“pop-pop),” brother, uncle, friend, who continually sought to help, to serve, to love, to sacrifice. He was the man with the heart of gold who joined his life with his second wife, Michelle and step-son Kwame. They shared a tender, loving, bond. He was the man who his high school band director still describes as the best student he ever had. He was the leader who fellow FAMU Band members described as the man who lived his life as a “straight-up kind of guy;” a guy who not did get distracted by the temptations of college life; a guy who was a consistent, positive role model to his peers; a guy who was always focused and knew what he wanted out of life. He was the man, who even after twenty-two years of faithful service to the military, leaped head forward into a new career designing and project managing the installation of security systems for federal government buildings, helping to keep America safe. He was the man who lived life to the fullest extent, who did not accept, rather destroyed barriers, who filled the earth with his gentle, loving, steadfast commitment to God, Family and Country. From his youth, Robert accepted the Lord as his Savior and often shared his testimony of how good the Lord had been to him throughout his life. Even though Robert never smoked, he was felled by terminal lung cancer; his faith and trust in God remained constant. He held onto the Savior's hand and let Him lead him to his greatest destination yet. On Wednesday, June 17, 2009, God called and Robert transitioned to new life. He put on a new uniform and journeyed to his heavenly home. Robert leaves to cherish his memory his loving and faithful wife, Michelle; children, Stephen and Kimberly, Robert Leon died in a military accident in 2002; step-son, Kwame Mair; grandchildren, Leondre Massey and Niambi White; siblings, Yvonne Harris (Plantation, Florida), Nathaniel Jr., and Vincent White (Miami, Florida); mother-in-law, Cynthia Allen (Kingston, Jamaica); daughter-in-law, Sonja B. White (Lake City, South Carolina); in-Laws, Wright Harris lll (Plantation, Florida), Bernadette White and Zelda White (Miami, Florida), Paula and Reston Walker (Port St. Lucie, Florida); nieces, Valerie Thomas (Delray Beach, Florida), Keisha Harris (Plantation, Florida), Yolanda and Twyla White, (Miami, Fl) and Athena Walker (Port St. Lucie); nephews: Nathaniel White III (Miami, Florida) and Akeem Walker; (Port St. Lucie, Florida); godson and great-nephew, Wilford Thomas (Delray Beach, FL); devoted friend, Stephanie White; and a host of extended family members and faithful friends.