Percy R. White was a man who smiled with his eyes and laughed with his whole being. Percy was a thinker, a dreamer, and a lover of people, who lived truly and without apology. God chose to free him from his seven year battle with brain cancer on Wednesday afternoon, June 13, 2012.

Born in Governeur, NY on March 23, 1952, Percy moved to Central New York as a child, attended Oneida High School, and was a resident of Durhamville, NY for the remainder of his 60 years with the exception of his 4-year service in the U.S. Air Force. He retired after 28 years with the federal government, working first at Griffiss Air Force Base and later at Rome Air Force Research Laboratory.

Percy’s many interests included collecting treasures left behind by others (junk), landscaping with his Bobcat, scouting out antique tractors, tinkering with automobiles, and forever building a house for the love of his life, Sue. Above all, he enjoyed mentoring and teaching young people as a youth leader and AWANA commander at Vernon Baptist Church. He also worked as deacon, treasurer, trustee, bus driver, "chief cook and bottle washer," etc, for the church, serving wherever and whenever he could.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the tremendous support given by the Regional Oncology Center in Oneida; Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse; the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University in Durham, NC; the Oneida Extended Care Facility; and Hospice. The doctors, nurses, and staff for these facilities have been more than gracious during every uncertain moment.

Percy’s wife, Sue White, his younger daughter, Brenda White, and his older daughter Misty Coller, along with her husband John Coller, invite you to join them at Vernon Baptist Church on Monday, June 18th, from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. for calling hours and on Tuesday, June 19th, at 4 p.m. for a Memorial Service.

Percy is predeceased by his beloved mother, Merrian (Weir) White. Along with his wife, daughters, and son-in-law, he leaves behind his father, Donald White of Durhamville, NY; his brother Ralph (Shirley) White, now living in Florida; his brother Larry (Carloyn Sue) White of Canastota, NY; his sister Cindy (Ted) Carus of VanCleave, MS; and countless loved ones who have supported him through hardships and contentment. Percy’s uncertainty is now at an end, as he is in the eternal care of his Loving Heavenly Father.