Timothy White

Timothy “Tim” Edwin White passed away peacefully on October 4, 2024, at the age of 72, with his beloved wife of 53 years by his side, after a courageous and inspiring 27-year victory over brain cancer. Tim’s incredible resilience, boundless love for life, and deep devotion to his family, along with his passion for his Michigan State Spartans, kept him with us longer than anyone could have imagined. His family is forever grateful to God for every precious day they had with him.

Tim was born on October 28, 1951, in Charleston, WV, to Ray and Anna Lee White. He was their second son and a surprise twin to his brother, Jim. When Tim and Jim were two years old, the family moved to Reed City, MI, where they later welcomed two more brothers, Scott and Steve. Growing up, Tim was known for his fun-loving nature, excelling on both the football field and the basketball court, and making friends easily. While he admittedly was “not the most focused student,” he more than made up for it with charm, hard work, and an infectious spirit.

Tim worked at his parents’ full-service Standard Oil gas station throughout high school and college, where he developed a strong work ethic. After graduating from Reed City High School in 1969, he attended Ferris State University while continuing to work at the station. Upon completing college, Tim embarked on a lifelong career in the food service industry, proudly referring to himself as a “green bean salesman” during his tenure at Gordon Food Service (GFS). Tim’s dedication to his work and the relationships he built with the Gordon family, colleagues, and clients left an enduring mark. His passion for the industry inspired his eldest son, Jeremy, to follow in his footsteps, continuing the family legacy at GFS.

After a remarkable 42-year career in sales and management, Tim retired in 2014. In retirement, he dedicated himself to charitable causes, such as leading the Heifer Project for Trinity United Methodist Church and volunteering at Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids and Kid’s Food Basket. Tim also relished spending his winters in Vero Beach, FL, where he enjoyed time with family and friends, and his beloved shrimp cocktails by the ocean.

Tim’s greatest joy in life was his family. On July 30, 1971, he married his high school sweetheart, Deb (Dietel). Their love and unwavering support for each other through life’s many challenges were an inspiration to all who knew them. Together, they were blessed with three children: Jeremy, Ben, and Amy. As a die-hard Michigan State Spartan and a season ticket holder for over 40 years, Tim was especially proud that all three of his children earned degrees from MSU. Tim had immense love and pride in his children, but nothing compared to the joy and pride he felt for his eight grandchildren: Ella, Bennett, Gavin, Cece, Evie, Addi, Gwen, and Theo. For the past 16 years, since becoming a grandfather, Tim found his greatest happiness in holding his sleeping grandbabies, pushing them in strollers, cheering loudly from the sidelines, and never missing an opportunity to tell them, “You know your Grandpa loves you.” His legendary bear hugs and boundless love will be deeply missed.

Tim is survived by his loving wife, Debra, his three children, Jeremy (Holly) White of Vero Beach, FL, Benjamin (Lacey) White of Charlotte, NC, and Amy (David) Butterfield of Ada, MI, and his eight grandchildren: Eleanor, Bennett, Gavin, Celia, Genevieve, Addilynn, Gwendolyn, and Theodore. He is also survived by his three brothers: Jim (Nadine) White, Scott (Becky) White, and Steve (Kerri) White, Deb’s brothers Eric (Paula) Dietel and Marc (Suzanne) Dietel, as well as many nieces, nephews, family, and dear friends, including Bill and Karen Chupp and Kay and Dan Noren. Tim is reunited in heaven with his parents, Ray and Anna Lee White, his in-laws, Martin “Bud” and Dorothy Dietel, his sister-in-law, Diane Dietel, his brother-in-law, Mike Dietel, and his niece, Mariah McCullough.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff at Cascade Trails Assisted Living for their compassionate care over the past year, and to Corewell Health Hospice for their support in recent weeks.

The family will be hosting a memorial service to celebrate and honor Tim’s life on Saturday, October 19th at 11am at Trinity United Methodist Church (1100 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI). The family will greet family and friends an hour before the service and welcome all to stay for a luncheon to visit and share memories afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Tim’s memory to the Heifer International or Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids, causes close to his heart.

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