James 'Jimmy' B. White

James Blanding ‘Jimmy’ White, Sr., 92, of Abbeville, husband of Johnel Caudle White, died Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at the Hospice House in Greenwood. He was born in Abbeville to the late William Henry and Edna Holman White.

A 1946 graduate of Abbeville High School, he played in the very first football game coached by Tommy Hite. Mr. White attended Clemson University and Erskine College. He was a member of the SC National Guard, the local Civil Defense in the early 60’s and the Abbeville Jaycee’s for many years. Mr. White was employed in textiles for more than 40 years until his retirement.

Affectionately known as ‘Granddaddy’ by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Mr. White adored his family. He and his family have enjoyed traveling to Daytona Beach each year for the last 66 years. He raced on the sands of Daytona Beach in 1957, finishing 5th in his class.

Mr. White was an avid automobile enthusiast and NASCAR fan. On any given weekend in the fall, he cheered for the Abbeville Panthers and Clemson Tigers. Mr. White also enjoyed gardening being especially proud of his tomatoes.

In 1868, his grandfather served as the construction supervisor for the current Abbeville Presbyterian Church where Mr. White was a lifetime member and elder.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, William Henry White, Jr and Leonard Waller White; and two sisters, Edna White Leverich and Helen White Kenyon.

Mr. White is survived by his wife of 71 years, Johnel, of the home; five sons, James Blanding ‘Jimbo’ White, Jr. (Miriam), John McLeod White, Sr. (Kelly), Holman Scott White (Jill), David Lawrence White (Jane) and William Mikell White (Sherri); ten grandchildren, Cyndi White New (Austin), James Blanding ‘Tripp’ White, III (Melissa), John McLeod White, Jr. (Carrie), Cameron Michelle White, Scott William White (Catherine), Matthew Burton White (Kayla), Cody McLeod White (Kelsey Kuehn), Emily Ruth White, Beth Cobb, Kristen Sylvia White; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends 4:00PM - 6:00PM, Friday, October 22, 2021 in Harris Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 3:00PM, Saturday, October 23, 2021, in the Abbeville Presbyterian Church with Reverend James Rowell officiating. Burial will follow in Long Cane Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions, in memory of Mr. White, be sent to the Abbeville Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 301 N. Main Street, Abbeville, SC 29620 or the Abbeville Panther Booster Club, PO Box 1214, Abbeville, SC 29620

The family is at the home.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the White family.