Devoted husband and loving father, Henry W. White, Sr. made his transition on December 30, 2016 at Season's Hospice in Detroit, Michigan at the age of 91.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Furnetta, parents Henry and Bessie (Williams) White, and siblings Henrietta, Ethel, Bessie, Anabelle, and George.

He is survived by his children, Russell White, Linda Lowery, Angeline White, Henry White, Jr., and Jacqueline Hart (Edward); his grandchildren Marc White, Lisa White (William Smith), Terrell White (Tammetra), Ayanna Lowery (Darryl Jones), N'Kenge Gonzalez, John Lowery, Jr., Kimberly Greer (Bradley), Winston Hart, and Ethan Hart; his great-grandchildren Joseph, Asia, Lavonte, DeMario, Atashauana, Jalen, Darian, Nehemiah, Taliyah, TreVonta, Lorenzo, Keymarcus, Jartavius, William, and Christopher; great-great-grandchildren Azzure; Daveion, and Alia; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Henry was raised in Pensacola, Florida where he met and married Furnetta. He was drafted into the Army to serve in World War II as a specialist, playing the cornet in the all Negro Army Jazz Band of the 17th Special Services Company. Tech 5 White was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He toured all over Europe, and played with many of the world's greatest sports entertainers and jazz musicians of the time.

At the end of World War II, after being honorably discharged, he attended and received a degree in mortuary science from the Atlanta College of Mortuary Science. Henry and his wife, Furnetta, continued to live in Pensacola, Florida where he worked in the local funeral home after graduation. While in Pensacola, the couple welcomed three children before moving to Detroit, Michigan. Upon moving to Detroit, Henry worked as a machinist at Chrysler and welcomed another child to the family. He also consulted with other morticians in the Detroit community. The family lived in Detroit for many years before moving to East Moline, Illinois, where another child was born. Henry worked as a machinist and later retired from International Harvester while continuing to mentor many morticians in the Quad Cities. Many years after the passing of his wife Furnetta, Henry moved to Detroit where he lived before making his transition.

Henry White, a lifetime member of the VFW, was an accomplished musician and often shared memorable stories of his days spent in the military and playing in jazz bands and clubs. His knowledge of historical events and current affairs was admired by many and were often discussed and debated among friends and family. As a southerner, he often marveled at the strides made by African Americans during his lifetime.

He was proud of overcoming many obstacles and educating his family. He was very knowledgeable in the ways of scripture and was a very spiritual man. He believed that education was the greatest gift a father could give to his children, as he often said, "No matter what, that can never be taken away from you." Henry welcomed all cultures into his home and was the local storyteller, bringing all people together.

He was proud of having loved and taken care of his wife as they both grew up together to raise a strong family. He loved his immediate and extended family and felt that each generation had an obligation to connect with one another.

He always came to the aid of others in the community and would impart his wisdom and mentorship when needed. Henry White was a generous and devoted family man to 5 generations, and leaves lasting and indelible memories that friends and family will cherish eternally.

Family will receive friends Friday, January 6th, 10:00am – 1:00pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward Ave. (btwn 13-14 Mile), Royal Oak, MI.

Visitation will be Monday 10:00am - 1:30pm Monday, January 9th at the Wheelan – Pressly Funeral Home, 3030 Seventh Ave. Rock Island, Illinois, followed by interment with Military Honors at 2:00pm at Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island.