Edward Ewell 'Buzz' White

Edward Buzz Ewell White, age 87, of Salem, VA, passed peacefully into eternity on Monday, November 04, 2013. He was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Doris White; his parents, John Oscar, Sr. and Ella Mae White; his sister, Pauline White Manor; his brother and best friend, John Oscar White, Jr.; and two half-brothers, Roy and Raymond Stump. He was also predeceased by his pony, Biscuit; and his beloved doggie children, Blackie, Pudge, Jeb, and Mosby. Left to love and cherish his memory are his daughters, Kathy DeHart and husband, Don, and Melissa White; his son, James White and wife, Teresa; his grandchildren, Melinda DeHart, Mecrissa Williams and husband, Lamont, Melissa Biddinger and husband, Robert, Tabitha and Hannah Crigger, Donald DeHart and wife, Kim, and Eddie DeHart and his fiance, Michelle; and great-grandchildren, Cortney, Sarah, Traci, Makayla, Jimmy, Heather, Marissa, Lydia, and Natalie. He is also survived by his best friend and companion, Ladybelle; along with his granddoggies, Alfred, Sky, Ronnie, Skippy, and Rosie. Buzz proudly served his country in the United States Navy in the Pacific during World War II. For several years, he worked at Michaels Bakery where he made his special yeast rolls, cinnamon buns, and caramel cake. He worked at the Salem VA Medical Center for several years until he retired. Known for his kind heart and gentle spirit, he was warm and welcoming to everyone he met. Buzz devoted his life to loving others and taking care of his loved ones. He returned home from war and for several years cared for his brother, John, who suffered from injuries sustained in World War II. He helped his bride care for her mother and her father during their illnesses, and provided a home for her sisters who became his sisters. He cared for his sister, Pauline, as she faced death, and also cared for his parents, numerous aunts, and uncles. Buzz loved his family above all else. His greatest joy in life was being a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He and his beloved Doris were childhood playmates and married in 1948. Our father loved spending time with his family and was there for every celebration in the life of his children and grandchildren. He saw every day as an opportunity to love his family. His second love in life was baking which he did on every occasion for his family. His favorite hobbies were gardening and spending time with his pets. He never met an animal he did not love and often spoiled them with treats he baked. Over the last four years, Buzz spent his life at the Virginia Veterans Care Center surrounded by his second family on 2East. Many thanks to his best friend, Mr. Hodges, and his family who adopted our father and kept him supplied with chocolate. Thanks to all the staff on 2East who took care of him through all the ups and downs of his illness. He thought of Deborah Levelle, Tammy Jones, and Krista Morrill as his girls, and loved to share stories about their parties. Special thanks to Craig John Walker who became like another son to our father who loved him dearly. John brought comfort and joy to him every day, watched over him, and made sure he wanted for nothing. A period of visitation will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2013 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. The celebration of his life will be held on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 1 p.m. in the funeral homes chapel. Interment will follow at East Hill Cemetery with military funeral honors. The Rev. Everett Kier will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be given to either the Alzheimers Association at 3959 Electric Road in Roanoke, Virginia 24018 or the Salem Animal Shelter at 1301 Indiana Street in Salem, Virginia 24153. An online guestbook is available at www.johnmoakey.com. The White family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441.