• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Philip D. White Sr., Community Leader

Posted on: Wednesday, 12 April 2006, 06:00 CDT

By John F. Morrison, Philadelphia Daily News

Apr. 12--PHILIP DOYLE White Sr. had a way of talking with youngsters that opened them to the wisdom of his words.

"He could disarm them so they would be open to what he had to say," said his son Jeffrey S. White. "He became someone they could talk to. He was a constant role model.

"He loved children and was willing to give his time to them, to steer them in the right direction."

White, superintendent of maintenance for the Stenton Avenue Apartments, coach of three sports for the Oak Lane Youth Association, active church leader and devoted family man, died Friday of cancer at the age of 68.

He had been active in Philadelphia and, earlier, his hometown of Portsmouth, Ohio, where he spent a number of years as a church steward and community and youth leader.

He was born in Portsmouth to Amos J.J. and Ira Mae White, and graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1955.

He was an exceptional athlete, especially in baseball. He was selected out of high school by the Los Angeles Dodgers and played for a brief time as an infielder in its minor-league system.

White enlisted in the Air Force in 1956 and served for six years. In 1958, he married Nancy Louise Hairston, who died last year.

After his service, he returned to his family in Philadelphia. He coached football, basketball and baseball for the Oak Lane Youth Association.

His church activities began in Portsmouth, where he was a member of the Allen Chapel AME Church. He was a missionary, trustee and choir president.

Both there and in Philadelphia, his melodic baritone echoed with praises of the Lord. He loved the hymns, especially "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior."

"Phil took great pride in respecting and caring for his elders," his family said. He was always available when anyone needed him, and they frequently did.

He was a community activist, particularly in programs for young people, antiviolence and antidrug programs in Portsmouth. He was steward for the Allen Chapel AME Church there.

Upon returning to Philadelphia, he joined New Bethel AME Church.

"Phil's life work personified being a servant of God," his son said.

He also is survived by a daughter, Stephanie; another son, Philip Jr.; five brothers, Amos J.J., Carl F., Gerald W., Ralph T. and Daniel L.; five sisters, Ellen I. Mitchell, Sandra K. Lattimore, Cathalee Borders, Georgeanna Hill-Ali and Henrietta Hoard, and three grandchildren.

Services: 10 a.m. Friday at New Bethel AME Church, 6153 Germantown Ave. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be at Northwood Cemetery, 15th and Haines streets.

-----

Copyright (c) 2006, Philadelphia Daily News

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

For information on republishing this content, contact us at (800) 661-2511 (U.S.), (213) 237-4914 (worldwide), fax (213) 237-6515, or e-mail reprints@krtinfo.com.

Source: The Philadelphia Daily News

More News in this Category