Knowing the Man

A tribute to Neil Ellis White 1943 - 2009 Rest in Peace

 

Knowing the Man

 

When the word came, I was doing what I normally do when I have some time to myself; re-reading some stories, fixing lunch, watching television with my girls, the normal day to day routine when you are self-employed and all your clients cancel their appointments. 

 

We knew he lived on borrowed time, borrowing against his end and eventually, the time would come that his often-damaged heart would no longer force blood into that hard head of his. That didn’t make the news any more or less of a shock. The news made it final. 

 

Yet he still managed to pass without much ado, but also on his terms. Walking to the waiting stretcher just as he walked into the cardiac intensive care unit almost twenty three years ago, forcing, in fact, willing his feet to move in spite of their refusal.

 

So many things about him might be a mystery unless one took the time to watch him and learn how he really thought. This man who complained about the noise, mess and care puppies and kittens required bottle fed two kittens while driving a moving van from Alabama to Texas, gave a home to more than one dog someone cast aside, cared for an old tomcat with only one eye and shed tears when news of animal abuse made the news.

 

This man who claimed not to care much about being around people took a job where greeting people was his job, and did so in a way most would never imagine. From a recluse to the Greeter at Wal-Mart, everyone came to know him.

 

This man who claimed children were a bother and nuisance during the recent Christmas season greeted every child who entered Wal-Mart with a Ho-Ho! Hi there! Come on in!; Leaving many to wonder about the man with the white hair, white beard, round red face and slightly plump belly. This same man who bore the image of Santa Claus would never play the part when asked, but had a very impressive collection of Santa Claus figures, some even resembling him.

 

Always saying they begged him or badgered him into doing it, he was one of the first to sign up to sing in the Texas Commerce Bank Choir (where some the photos here show he was front and center), often shamed others to join with him until they had a choir of over a hundred voices and all on their own time. 

 

This man who swore a car was only a way to get from one place to another, loved his old truck, and insisted that he drive you places in it, rather than you take your own car, or truck. In keeping with the stereotype, which he denied at all costs, the ever-present straw Cowboy Hat was always at the ready, and for occasions that were more formal a nice grey hat took its place. 

 

This man who loved quiet would sit and bask in the noise of his grandchildren as they visited, all talking loudly to be heard, all talking out of turn, all making him smile outwardly and inwardly. The glow of delight in his grandchildren always very evident upon his face, even to the point of an outward glow. 

 

For all the toughness presented to the outside world, as crusty as he liked to make people think he was, this man had a soft spot the size of his home state of Texas. 

 

August 19, 1943 Neil Ellis White, Jr. entered this world. He departed January 19, 2009 just hours before his first great-grandchild, Josiah DeGeorge Love entered the world. He was preceded in death by his father, Neil White and his mother, Effie White.  Survived by wife of 36 years, Jo Ann White, his four sisters, Judy, Debra, Caroline and Barbara; a son Pete Love; grandchildren David Edward Love, Daniel Jason Love, Joseph Neil Love, Laura Ann Harris and Jessica Leigh Harris, one great-grandchild Josiah DeGeorge Love. 

Reviews

[Angel Bird]

I like your write. It makes me all melancholic of the good (old) times. So great to have known such a wonderful being.
Thanks for the warm feeling your words and the images it produced gave me...

[odhiambo]

a perfect portrait.

A fitting dedication, showing Neil's kindness and his legacy. This was touching.

[Listener]

D'awww,

He reminds me of my brother, almost brought me to tears

[Alyssa]

A very good dedication,
you showed well how this man really is and how he has made your life special.
I know exactly how you feel in these terms, I have a poem about it too ;)

I enjoyed :)

[Rain]

This better have been read at his service, or made the papers. This gave me chills, seriously. No big celebrity, not a man about town, unpretentious, and yet, a towering human being. What a great piece, George. Rain..

[Deborah Leah Krempa]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Yet at the same time congratulations on being a new grandpa. My heart goes out to you. This was a wonderful write/tribute/ he must have been a wonderful man. Thank you for sharing. Debileah