Johnny Carroll White, Sr.

Johnny White, a father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, passed away peacefully of natural causes on March 19, 2025, at the age of 80 at his home.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Mississippi, on April 28, 1944, Johnny built a life rooted in hard work and family. In 1967, he moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where he pursued a long and dedicated career in the tree business—White’s Tree Service Inc. —a trade that became both his livelihood and his passion.

Johnny is proceeded in death by his mother, Rena Mae White; his father, Tom B. White; his brother Tommy White and his sons, Johnny Carroll White Jr. and Daniel Lee White. Though his heart endured many losses, Johnny remained a pillar of strength through it all.

He is survived by his wife Tammi White and his beloved Dog DJ and baby son Ethan White whom was right beside him until his last breath. He leaves behind a large and loving legacy: siblings: Kay Gilbert, Martha Prewitt, Charlotte White, and Helen Woods, surviving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren, all of whom can carry forward his memory, his stories, and the values he held dear.

Those who knew Johnny will never forget that he never met a stranger he didn’t talk to and tell his life stories too, would never forget his quick wit, his unwavering work ethic, and his favorite saying: “One monkey don’t stop no show.” It was a phrase he lived by—reminding everyone to keep moving forward, no matter what life throws your way. His life was a true testament to that.

Johnny White will be remembered for his resilience, his kind spirit, and his strength . His legacy lives on in every branch of the family tree he helped grow.

His love for trees can be found all over the MS Gulf Coast in all the trees he nurtured trimmed and planted

He loved to garden and loved all things to do with plants and dirt.

We ask that you plant a tree in his memory.

Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Johnny White.