Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 6-12-20

Feature
Former Tampan, Andre White, Dies 2 Months After Wife
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Andre Moses White, a former NFL player, commu- nity activist, entrepreneur, and musical artist died Tues- day. He was 75-years-old.
A Tampa native, Mr. White has lived in Atlanta with his family for several years. His wife of 55 years, Mrs. Joyce White, died on April 2, 2020.
At the end of March, the couple had been diagnosed with the Coronavirus three days apart. Mrs. White did not survive. Mr. White was released from the hospital.
However, his daughter, said her father never fully re- covered. The virus damaged his lungs and left them in a very fragile state. “We took him to the hospital last Thursday. His lungs were damaged and the left lung collapsed.
“He told us he didn’t want to die in the hospital alone and that he was tired of fight- ing. So, he passed at home surrounded by his family.
“Dad was always a larger- than-life character with a heart of gold and an adven- turous spirit. Somehow, he was always prepared for whatever might come along. As a loving family man, he was never short on hugs, parables, humor, faith and love.
“I’ve learned so many les- sons from him, my best cheerleader, supporter, friend and role model,” she said.
Ms. White further said that the doctors had allowed her father to be with her mother at the hospital when she died.
His sister, Mrs. Berna- dine White King said, “He could not have had better care than that he received from his children and grand- children 24/7. He died knowing how much he was loved. He died of a broken heart.
“My sister, Madelyn, and I had a chance to say goodbye shortly before he passed. His last words we will always remember and cherish were, “I love you.” And we replied, “We love you big brother, go in peace.”
His son, Lucky, said,
ANDRE WHITE 10-7-1944 --- 6-9-2020
ANDRE WHITE
... As a Member of the Denver Broncos
“My father was a force of na- ture, a man’s man, with a commanding presence. He was a unrelenting and fierce friend. A man that many sought council from, whether it was a United States Con- gressman, local business- man, a friend or the guy that’s down on his luck. My father had a heart for service. He loved meeting new peo- ple, as well as the enjoyment of his family and friends. No one could tell a story like him. He was my hero and lived up to that vision every- day - a true and consummate warrior in every way. He en- riched the lives of so many in his 75 years. He was a great father and teacher.”
Mr. White began his life in Tampa, the third child born to the late Moses and Lucille White. He attended the local schools of Hillsbor- ough County, including Mid- dleton High School.
Mr. White relocated to Tallahassee with his brother, Alton, and graduated from Lincoln High School. After graduation, he enrolled at
ANDRE AND JOYCE WHITE ... Married 55 Years
Undated Photograph of Andre White
Florida A & M University, where he earned his degree in Physical Education and Health Education.
Mr. White was drafted by the Denver Broncos as a tight end, and played for the San Diego Chargers. He also became one of the first African Americans to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals.
A knee injury brought his football career to a close. He was also inducted into the Florida A & M University Football Hall of Fame.
Mr. White returned to Tampa and served as the Equal Employment Opportu- nity Commission Officer of Hillsborough County. While there, he launched a battle to remove the Confederate Flag from the County Seal. It came about in 2016.
During his lifetime, he was an entrepreneur, operat- ing a barbecue restaurant in West. Tampa for several years. Mr. White served as the Road Manager for Mar- vin Gaye and longtime con- fidant and business colleague of James Brown.
After suffering a stroke in
Andre White and family at the unveiling of the Moses White bust on the Riverwalk in Tampa.
the 1980s, Mr. White and his family relocated to At- lanta. He continued his com- munity outreach with his son, Lucky, and the creation of the Georgia Sentinel newspaper.
A member of numerous organizations, Mr. White was serving as President of the Moses White Foundation at the time of his death.
Mr. White loved visiting with his pastor, spending time with family and friends, and exercising.
He is survived by his chil- dren, Andre White (Denise), Richard Feacher (Sharon), Raulnina Uzzle Harris
(Rodney), and Andrea Racquel White; grandchil- dren, siblings, other family members and friends.
Former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco said of his pass- ing, “Wonderful man and loyal friend to many. I love the entire White family. So sorry, but I am certain he’s with God and many friends.”
Richard Gonzmart
said, “I send my prayers and my condolences. May he rest in eternal peace. He will be greatly missed, but never for- gotten.”
Funeral services for Mr. White were incomplete, but will be held in Atlanta.
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