Roger White (February 28, 1944 - March 19, 2026)
Joseph Roger White, 82, of the White’s Crossing, Big Level Community left this world on March 19, 2026, headed for his heavenly home. After bravely battling cancer for over a year, his fight ended shortly after quittin’ time on Thursday, March 19, surrounded by family at UMMC hospital in Jackson, MS.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Reginald “Reg” White and Lou Eva “Eva” Rawls White; brothers and sister-in-law, Jimmy (Margaret) White; Johnny White; Bill White; and Tom White; brother-in-law James Whittington; nieces, Shelly Cochran, Louann White, and infant Emily Anne White.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Tamar (Williamson) White of White’s Crossing, MS; children Josh White of White’s Crossing, MS; Amy (Damian) McKay of Wiggins, MS; and Kristen (Jim) Madsen of Gulf Shores, AL; grandchildren Jackson, Lauren, and Shelby McKay and Tessa and Tama Madsen as well as a loving and extended family including sisters, Nancy Whittington of Benndale, MS, and Anna Carol (Jack) Bufkin of Colorado Springs, CO, sisters-in-law, Mary Kay White of Wiggins, MS, Debbie White of Wiggins, MS, and Mendy (Charles) Jouglard of West Monroe, LA along with many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Roger was born to Reg and Eva at White’s Crossing and his birth was recorded as February 28, 1944. However, he was actually born a leap year baby. Being born February 29th, about 30 minutes after midnight, the doctor said he didn’t want to do that to dad, making him have a birthday only once every four years, so he rolled back the date for him. His siblings always said this leap year was why he always acted younger than his actual age, and if you knew him, you would have to agree.
Roger grew up in a large, loving family of 4 brothers and 2 sisters. His father was a forester, farmer and cattleman and his mother was a school teacher. They instilled in him the importance of hard work and education. He attended Home School, now referred to by some as B.L.U. or Big Level University that still resides across from Big Level Baptist Church. He graduated at the age of 16, being promoted through 2 grades, then continued on to Perkinston Junior College, now known as Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. After graduation from Perk, Roger was appointed by MS Senator John C. Stennis in 1962 to attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
While in Annapolis, Roger met the love of his life, Tamar, and two years later on December 19, 1966, they eloped to Eight-Mile, Alabama. Roger and Tamar went on to have a full life together, traveling as a military family cross-country from Florida to California and finally Texas, where their first 2 children, Josh and Amy, were born.
During his time with the Navy, Roger had many adventures in the Philippines and Hong Kong with 2 tours during the Vietnam War. He flew mail to the sailors on all of the aircraft carriers stationed in the Pacific. He also received the Naval Centurion Award, landing successfully over 100 times on the Ticonderoga before its decommission. He and Tamar made many lifelong friends and countless memories during his Naval years.
After retiring from the Navy, Roger moved his family to Rayville, Louisiana, becoming a cropdust pilot, then finally decided that raising his family in his home town would be the best course for their future. This is where his youngest child, Kristen, was born. While he lived in Wiggins, Roger went back to flying for the Army National Guard, traveling to Alaska, St. Croix, and Germany. He flew in the United Nations Peace Keeping Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1999 to 2000, and retired from the Guard at 60 years old.
Always an entrepreneur, Roger found success being a real estate investor and developer, a property manager, and hauling dirt across south Mississippi. Other adventures that were fun, but not nearly as lucrative, were operating amateur helium weather balloon rides, wrangling alligators, driving limos, and instructing water skiing enthusiasts. Though all of his experiences are interesting and noteworthy, what Roger truly excelled at was being a remarkable husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.
Roger loved cooking cornbread, jambalaya, and pecan pies and having his family over to eat and visit. Many hours were spent sitting on the front porch while they were waiting for the deer to come out. Although he was constantly on the go, Roger was never too busy to stop in for a piece of pie with one of his aunts and later enjoyed taking along a grandchild or 2 for a visit. Growing up with Roger as a father was always exciting, and he prioritized time spent relaxing with his family. He was a hard worker but always planned times for skiing at the reservoir, floating the creek, and even taking cross-country driving trips or to go snow skiing.
Roger was a man of strong opinions and stood behind his decisions, albeit questionable to some. For example, he knew exactly what to wear when you meet your daughter's boyfriend. He also offered unsolicited advice to his children, guiding them to what “the shrewd thing” would be when making life choices, or explaining that “only an idiot” would not follow his advice. Such sage wisdom could not be argued with.
One of Roger’s greatest joys in life came from being a grandfather. He spent many happy times rocking and dancing his grandbabies to country music songs, taking them to run the hay bales, going on bike rides, teaching them to drive, and even quick dump truck drives to McDonalds for a hot fudge sundae and coffee. He was his happiest during these moments.
Roger was a real character and a true individual. Funny and hard working, he was also extremely generous and kind to others. He never sought attention for such deeds or any acknowledgement for his generosity. He didn’t talk about his faith but instead lived it every day. We are comforted to know that Roger is now at peace in the arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ and reunited with deeply loved family, especially his parents and brothers, Jimmy, Johnny, Bill, and Tom.
Moore Funeral Service
805 Hardy Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 544-2141
https://www.moorefuneralservices.com/obituaries/Roger-White?obId=47779374#/obituaryInfo