Edgar Lee White, Jr., known affectionately as Stinky to family and friends, passed away on January 22, 2024, in San Angelo, Texas at the age of 68.
Stinky, the only child of Edgar Lee White, Sr., and Dawn Ann Teague White, was born on October 29, 1955, in San Angelo, Texas. Stinky was raised in the Lake View Community where he went to school, attended church, helped at his parents’ family-owned florist, worked at various part-time jobs, and participated in agriculture and sports activities, before graduating from Lake View High School. After high school, Stinky met his soulmate, Nancy McCleery. Stinky and Nancy were married on October 2, 1976. They began their married lives in San Angelo, but moved with Stinky’s work to Fort Worth, Texas, for a short period of time before returning to his hometown area and settling in Grape Creek, Texas, for the remainder of his years.
Stinky showed his immense love and care for his immediate and extended family in a myriad of ways. For example, he was an enthusiastic fan and supporter of his children, and greatly enjoyed going to all their school and sports activities to encourage them and show his pride. Once his children were grown, he adored stepping into the role of grandpa, and was lovingly called “grouch” by his oldest granddaughter. There was also no doubt he would do anything for his grandchildren, including driving through hours of snow and ice to see them. Stinky demonstrated his honor and love for his and Nancy’s parents by spending countless days helping them with various tasks around their homes.
Stinky’s spirited and feisty nature was one of a kind. He never minced words and said exactly what he thought. Although new acquaintances didn’t always know how to take his honesty, once Stinky decided to befriend you, you had a mighty friend and protector for life who cared for you deeply and was always willing to help. Also, behind his “at times” grumpy exterior, were many exceptional and creative talents, including an artistic ability to make wonderful wildlife or western and southwest themed drawings and paintings. He could also cook delicious barbecue, and he had a knack for fixing just about anything. He could weld, do plumbing and electrical work, or anything he put his mind to.
Stinky loved the outdoors and had a wide variety of hobbies and interests. Fishing was a lifelong passion, but over the years he also enjoyed golfing, team-roping, and hunting. Stinky was an avid sports fan, as well and he treasured coaching his son, Seth, in little league baseball. Before having his own children, he loved watching and supporting his nephews, and afterwards, his children, grandchildren, and extended family at all their sporting events. When not watching sports in person, he enjoyed rooting for the Cowboys, Chiefs, Rangers, and Astros on TV. He always enjoyed watching the Cowboys with his father-in-law, every Sunday afternoon.
Stinky’s great work ethic was clear throughout his life. Soon after he and Nancy were married, he worked at a delivery position with Merchants Motorline that included a short transfer to the Fort Worth area before returning to San Angelo. In 1981, Stinky took a position at GTE. He began his career with GTE as a truck driver, before also working as a service technician, conducting phone installations and finally, serving as a lineman and splicer. While initially beginning with GTE, Stinky continued working for the telephone company while it transitioned to Verizon and then Frontier before retiring in 2017 with 36 years of dedicated service.
In addition to his career, Stinky served his family and community in a variety of ways through his love of children, sports, and his ability to make great tasting barbecue. With his love of baseball and kids, he was happy to serve on the North Concho Little League Board, for several years, and he also served a term on the Grape Creek School Board. He volunteered countless hours, barbecuing for the youth program at his church, Grape Creek Baptist. He also barbecued for Grape Creek ISD and their booster club, as well as at the annual Blue Grass Festival benefiting The Concho Valley Home for Girls to help fund raise or provide food for crowds at each of these organizations and events. In addition to the community events, for many years Stinky helped organize and cook for the McCleery Reunion and numerous other family gatherings, only stopping when his health no longer allowed him to do so.
Stinky was “quite the character” and after living boldly, and loving his family and friends fiercely, he leaves a Texas-sized hole in many hearts.
Stinky’s legacy is carried on by his devoted wife of 47 years, Nancy, their daughter, Joshlyn White Matthews, her husband, Truman Matthews, and their children Ayden and Autumn, and their son, Seth White, daughters Sara and Adalynn, and his fiancé Lindsey Laminack. He is additionally survived by his brother-in-law, Danny Lee McCleery; nephew Patric McCleery and wife, Joan (Katy), nephew Aaron McCleery and wife, Freya (Travis and Aislyn); his Uncle Jim and Aunt Linda White; and many special cousins.
Stinky was preceded in death by his infant son, Jared Heath White, and his parents, Edgar Lee White, Sr. and Dawn Ann Teague White. He was also preceded by his parent-in-laws, Velma and Grady McCleery, and sister-in-law, Danny Karen McCleery.
The visitation will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024, at Harper Funeral Home from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. A memorial service for Stinky is scheduled for Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Grape Creek Baptist Church in Grape Creek, Texas. Honorary pallbearers are Rodney Pyburn, Larry Sanders, Ed Stewart, Steve White, Tom Woodard, Clifford Long, Roy Dan Alderman, and Buddy Teague.
The memorial service will be live streamed. The live stream link is www.youtube.com/@grapecreekbaptistc…, then click “LIVE”.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in honor of Stinky to the North Concho Little League, PO Box 411, Carlsbad, Texas, 76934.
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