James Randell White
James Randell White, 80, of Ruston, passed away November 24, 2023.
James was born in Ruston on June 1, 1943, to parents, John E. White and Loye Mae White. In August of 1960, he asked the love of his life, Emogene Parnell, to marry him. She said yes, but he had to graduate high school first.
He graduated from Ruston High School in May of 1962, fulfilling the requirement, and one month later they were married. They had two children, Tammie Reneé Cullins and Randle Jene White.
He helped build the D’Arbonne Dam and eventually found his way to TL James hauling chips, then Williamette holding various positions. He retired from Davison Transport Trucking after more than 30 years of dedicated service.
During that time, he accumulated almost 3 million miles of trucking. He loved spending time with his family whether it be two legged or four. He could be found at New Hope Baptist Church every Sunday and Wednesday, and any other time you could find him on his mower in the yard whether it be 6 a.m. or the grass grew a quarter of an inch.
He was a man of many names including James, Dad, Poppa, Pop, Teder, Chipmonk, and Monkey. You knew what stage of life someone met him by the name they called him. He was a man of God and proud to have served as a deacon in his church. One of his favorite pastimes was pulling your leg. To this day people are still questioning whether the Yucca Indians truly saved Sam Walton’s life. Anyone who met him loved him and laughed.
James is survived by his wife Jean White; children, Tammie Cullins ( husband Bill), Randy White (wife Julie Brown) of Wilmington, Delaware; and his sister, Nina Rogers of Simsboro. He had 6 grandchildren, Sarah White (fiancé Chaney Rahn), Nicholas White, Billie Dison, Rachel Madden ( husband Matt), J. J. Brown, and Alex Brown. He had 4 greatgrandchildren, James Deese (wife Chelsea), Eddie Deese (wife Jo-Anna), Ethan Ates, and Walker Madden. He also had 5 great, great grandchildren, Logan, Melanie, Piper, Rowan, and Libby.
James was laid to rest at New Hope Cemetery on November 28, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Hope Baptist Church of Choudrant.
