Robert "Bobby" Walston White

Robert Walston (Bobby) White, 74, went to be with his Lord during his sleep on April 5, 2024.  His wife and nurse were by his side until he drifted off into a peaceful sleep.  A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 1815 Airport Boulevard NW, Wilson.   Pastor Joe Shakour will officiate.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service at Tabernacle Baptist Church, Wilson.

Bobby was born July 2, 1949, just after midnight to Sallie Dale Walston White and James Edgar White.   His family moved to Wilson when Bobby was one, and he was the youngest of five children.

Bobby attended Carolina Military Academy in the 8^th grade to be near his brother Jimmy who was a senior at the academy.  He graduated from Ralph L. Fike High School in 1967.  He was a great athlete and excelled in football as a defensive tackle.   He was voted MVP his senior year and played in the East West game.  Bobby returned to Carolina Military Academy postgraduate to play football and then graduated from Atlantic Christian College (Barton College) class of ’72.  

Bobby met the love of his life, Jennifer, in 1973 while she was shopping with her mother at Moss Wainwright Shoe Store in downtown Wilson.  He was shopping in the adjoining men’s store, and he persuaded the manager to give him her phone number from her check.  He called her that night, and three years later, they were married.   They have one daughter.  He was a great husband, father, and Pop Pop.  His family was his pride and joy.

Bobby had eyes that sparkled, a beautiful smile, and deep dimples.  He always seemed to be happy, and it gave him great pleasure to make others laugh.  He never knew a stranger and was there if you needed him.

Bobby’s passion was the family business.  White’s Tire Service was his life.  He worked side by side with his father and brothers to help grow White’s into the successful, thriving business it is today.  He was proud of the company it had become.  Bobby worked in all areas of the business but found his place in buying, selling, banking, advertising, and contract bids.  He served as Secretary Treasurer, Vice President, and part owner after his father’s death until he was retired.  Even after retirement, he was a walking advertisement for White’s on a daily basis.

Bobby had a bigger-than-life personality.  He was a people person and loved to travel.  This opened so many doors for him and afforded him the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life.  He met people from the rich and famous, business leaders, political, and world leaders to the poor and average in which he showed all the same respect.   

For the last ten years, he has been fighting health issues.  Bobby had a long battle with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease.   He was a strong man and fought a hard fight.  The complications of the disease took a toll on his body but not his happy spirit.   Bobby will be dearly missed and remembered for his love to talk and his love for people.  The most exciting times of Bobby’s life was his relationship with Muhammad Ali, Thomas Wilson Ferebee (Enola Gay Bombardier), and meeting Queen Elizabeth.  He was always in the right place at the right time and always had a story to tell.  We think “He is the Greatest!”

Bobby is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Jennifer Tyndall White; daughter, Jennifer Walston White Freeman and husband, Kirk Lee Freeman; two grandsons, John Walston White Freeman and William Harrison Freeman of Raleigh; sister, Rebecca White Wells and husband, Graham; brother, Donald Steven White and wife, Sharon of Wilson; aunts, Appie Walston Bolton of Fayetteville and Bettie Hall Walston of his beloved Roxobel; a large family of nieces, nephews and cousins; and his ragdoll cat, Mia, which he adored.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James Edgar White Jr.; sister, Patricia White Tillery Cotten; nephew-in-law, Johnny Walker; and in-laws, Melvin and Peggy Tyndall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Bobby’s memory to Tabernacle Baptist Church, 1815 Airport Boulevard NW, Wilson, North Carolina 27893 or to a charity of your choice.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.