The relatives and friends of Mr. Samuel White, Sr. are invited to attend his Graveside Celebration 12:00 NOON, Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Capt. C. Gibbs Cemetery, 620 Hughes Road, Johns Island, SC. A public viewing will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the mortuary.

Due to COVID-19 protocols, everyone is required to wear a face mask and practice social distancing.

 

A Legendary Legacy

Mr. Samuel White Sr. affectionately known as the Legendary Sam White, was born to Mrs. Rebecca Gibbs White and Mr. Solomon White on May 14, 1930 in Red Top, Johns Island, South Carolina (also previously known as Hughes Plantation or Bulow).

Mr. White leaves cherished memories and a lifetime of love with his devoted, loyal, and committed wife, Mrs. Mae Freeney White. He was preceded in death by two sons and one daughter, Mr. Samuel White Jr., Mr. Anthony White, and Mrs. Edna Lorraine White Canty. Samuel had two siblings – sister, Mrs. Ruthie Mae White and brother, Mr. Charles White Sr.

Mr. Samuel White confessed Christ and was baptized at an early age in St. John Baptist Church, Red Top, Johns Island by Reverend P.R. Washington. He continued his service under the leadership of Reverend George Lawton. Later in life, he was ordained as a Deacon under the leadership of Reverend Joseph Williams. In August 2006, Deacon White continued his Christian journey at Faith Walk Ministries in Hollywood, South Carolina under the Pastoral Leadership of Reverend Charles Linnen, where he served as Assistant Adult Sunday School Teacher and Chairman of Finance. Deacon White was a tither where he faithfully gave until sickness. He served in any capacity where he was needed and was faithful to the Lord and Faith Walk Ministries until death.

Mr. White’s legacy is left with his culturally blessed family. His surviving children are Ms. Hazel Hennigan, Mr. James Grant, Ms. Francis Wright, Mrs. Sylvia White Reid (Chareton), Mr. Richard White (Barbara), Ms. Jackie Farrish, and a young man he took as a son, Mr. Eddie Gibbs.

Samuel’s niece and nephews include Ms. Deborah White, Mr. Joe Louis White (deceased), Mr. Charles White Jr. (Eugenia), Mr. Nathaniel Grant White, Mr. Leroy White (Clara), and Mr. Benjamin White (Patrice).

There are 14 loving grandchildren – Tierra Freeney (deceased), Cheryl Taylor (George), Jermaine White Sr. (Sheunda), Junerous White Black (Keith), Latonya White Powell (Brian), Demetrio Reid Deterville, Lakesha White Jeffries (Bryan), Grayson Wright, Nakia White Hazel (Montez), Andra Mitchell, Anthony Farrish, Nastarjia Gadsden, Samaria White, and Raven White.

The legacy extends further with TWENTY-SIX great grandchildren. There is a host of cousins, extended family members, and friends. Mr. White has a long term, brotherly love, friendship with Judge Richard Fields, whom has been a lifelong friend.

Having such an extensive family of deep-rooted ancestry, it is critical to note Mr. Samuel White’s grandfather, Culliott Gibbs (aka Gibbes) was a distinguished black Union soldier who fought in the Civil War with the 88th Regiment, U.S. Colored Infantry. Culliott was an enslaved African brought to America. Mr. White’s grandmother, Mrs. Sarah Young Gibbs, was the daughter of a Native American Indian who was taken captive during the American Indian War.

Mr. Samuel White attended public schools of Johns Island, South Carolina. He began his career in various capacities, working as a Laborer and Plumber at The Citadel Military College. From 1945, at the age of 15 until 1948, he worked as a Truck Driver for the South Carolina Highway Department.

Mr. White went on to work a short stint at the Charleston Naval Shipyard until he was drafted into the US Army in May of 1951. He completed two years of service and in May 1953, was released from active duty and transferred to the US Army Reserve for five years.

With growing tenacity and perseverance, Samuel later attended Denmark Technical College, which was founded in 1947 to educate black citizens in various trades. Mr. White took hold of this opportunity, despite challenging socioeconomic times and excelled in the trade of plumbing and inspection. He skillfully mastered these trades, going on to secure positions of Contracted Plumber and Journeyman leading up to Master Plumber. He was self-employed from 1961 through 1990, making a mark across the state with his craft and his business ethic. It was commonly stated, “If You Want It Right, Call White” and his son Richard White continued this motto in 1991 after working with his father for many years. From 1991 until 1996, Mr. White worked as a Codes Inspector in the Building and Plumbing arenas. Samuel White became the 1st Licensed African American plumber in Charleston County and his work became a pivotal part of his legendary legacy. To date, McLeod Plantation on James Island, provides tours to which information surrounding Mr. White’s work is shared.