James Columbus White

James Columbus White, 89, of Statesville, passed away Friday, February 26, 2016 at Brookdale Senior Living.  He was born on March 17, 1926 to the late Israel Columbus White and Winnie McGlamery White. Mr. White was educated in Iredell County Schools and served his country honorably in the Navy during WWII.  He was married in 1944 to Milford Chapman White who preceded him in death on February 12, 2014.  They enjoyed almost 70 years of marriage before her passing.  He was a member of Monticello Baptist Church where he had served as a deacon. Mr. White worked in food services as a salesman most of his career having worked for Statesville Meat Packing, Sunbeam Bread, and Superior Dairies.  He finished out his career at Benfield Sanitation where he worked in all aspects of the business until the age of 81. Along with his parents and wife, Milford, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Sharon “Cookie” White Rayle, and two brothers, Raymond and Clyde White. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Phyllis Rufty (Toby); three grandsons, James Rufty (Beverly), Allen Rufty, and Christopher Rayle; two granddaughters, Maleia Everidge and Andrea Smalt (Brad); nine great grandchildren, Parker, Nathan, Anna, and Sam Rufty, Zack, Addie, and Emma Everidge, Ciana and Chase Sampson.  He is also survived by a son-in-law Ronald Rayle; his sister, Margaret, and a brother Albert. Funeral services for Mr. White will be held 3:00 pm Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at Lebanon Baptist Church in Taylorsville with Rev. Eddie Jolly officiating.  Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will visit with friends at Nicholson Funeral Home on Monday evening, February 29, 2016 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm. Memorials may be made to Lebanon Baptist Church, 167 Lebanon Church Lane, Taylorsville, NC 28681. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.