Thomas "Tom" Matthews White
Thomas “Tom” Matthews White, 64, won his battle with cancer on September 18, 2023 surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was born November 23, 1958 in Martinsville to the late Clarence William White and Ruby Carter White.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Sherri Mason White. He was also Daddy to three daughters, Tiffany Whitlock (Ben), Jessica Oakes (Henry), and Nikki White; and stepson, Todd Clark (Brittany). He was Papa to ten grandchildren, Cheyenne and Jake Whitlock, Gabrielle Morris, Jakyari and Malia Menefee, Scarlett and Sebastian Oakes, Aubrey and Evelyn Clark and step-grandson, Dylan. He is also survived by his sister, Alice Pruitt; brothers, Jimmy White, Paul White (Donna), Roger White (Teresa); and many nieces and nephews.
Tom was a self-made businessman and had a strong work ethic which he passed to his daughters. Many remember him from his time working at Rumley’s as a teenager. This gave him the dream to open his own restaurant, which came to life with Tom’s Diner and then later co-owning Taylor’s Restaurant. For the last twenty plus years he owned Tom White painting. He never met a stranger and left an impact with anyone he met. His infectious laugh let everyone know he was in the room. When he wasn’t at work you could find him in his Charger running the roads, on his boat at the lake, riding his golf cart, making everyone laugh, and being the life of the party. He was also proud of providing “Tom’s Church Boat” on Sundays.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Billie White, Carroll “Sam” White; and sister, Carolyn “Sissy” White Gilbert.
The family would also like to give special thanks to his team, Jason, Dara, Becky, and all his friends at the City of Hope in Georgia which kept his hope alive the last two and half years and for their care for him. Also thank you Inky Kendrick and Dale Allman for their friendship and care for Tom over the last year.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 22, 2023 at Norris Funeral Services, Martinsville Chapel with Pastor Kendell Smith and Pastor Dean White officiating. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Norris Funeral Services. Burial will be at North Fork Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.
Norris Funeral Services, Martinsville, VA is serving the White family. Online condolences may be made at norrisfuneral.com
