Douglas McArthur White 1942 -2025

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Douglas “Doug” (Poppa) McArthur White, a faithful servant of God and beloved husband, daddy, poppa, brother, and friend, entered into the eternal rest with his Lord and Savior at home in Vicksburg on August 16, 2025, surrounded by family.

White was born on May 7, 1942, in Neshoba County, Mississippi, to Ethan Allen White and Addie Estelle Moore White. He was one of six children. He graduated from Neshoba Central High School in Philadelphia, Mississippi. He later attended East Central Junior College and Mississippi State University.

Doug met the love of his life, Joyce R. Massey, in the summer of 1968. They became engaged in May 1969 and married on February 7, 1970.

White worked in various construction and manufacturing jobs, including serving as a Construction Inspector for the Vicksburg District, Corps of Engineers. In February 1966, Doug went to work for the Waterways Experiment Station (later becoming the Engineer Research and Development Center), Corps of Engineers, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, as a GS-03 Hydraulic Engineering Aid in the Estuaries Division of the Hydraulics Laboratory. Doug worked his way up through various positions, ultimately retiring in 2004 with 42 years of service at the GS-12 level as a Hydraulic Engineering Technician.

During his employment in the Hydraulics Laboratory, he received numerous awards and recognition letters.  In 1983, White was recognized by the Chief of Operations Division, New York District, Corps of Engineers, for assisting in saving two people from drowning in the New York Harbor after a boating accident.

White was also a member of the Air National Guard of Mississippi and the Reserve of the United States Air Force from March 13, 1965, to July 9, 1972, at which time he received an Honorable Discharge with the rank of Tech Sergeant. He was confirmed on September 24, 1971, as a Charter Member of the Mississippi National Guard, Noncommissioned Officers Association.  He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.

White was a member of the Robert and Jeanine Hall’s Life Group at Crossway Church, which he loved.  He especially enjoyed attending the Hall’s Life Group men’s supper every month. He was an avid sports fan and loved to watch all the Mississippi college teams, especially Mississippi State and the New Orleans Saints.

Douglas White was preceded in death by his parents, Ethan Allen White and Addie Moone White; his brother, O. C. White; his Father and Mother-in-law, Virgil Lamar Massey and Stella Vick Massey; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Richardson, Jim Matheney, Jack Bragg, Rayford Massey, Raymond Massey, Bob Harper, and Willie Maskew. Sister-in-laws, Ardis Harper, Billie Harper, Audrey Maskew, Ilene Massey, and Edna Massey.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Joyce Massey White, and daughter Christie White-Hale, who was and forever will be his pride and joy.  Doug has three grandchildren he loved with all his heart, Huntington Hale (Claire), Rae Massey Hale (Bradley Grammer), and Addie Rudd (Austin); and four great grandchildren whom he adored, Gamble Hale, Olivia Hale, Avery Rudd, and, expected in September, Russell Grammer. He is also survived by beloved siblings Faye Richardson, Morgan White, Tina Matheney, and Mary Lou Thornton; brother-in-law, Ronnie Massey; sister-in-law, Katie Bragg; and numerous nieces and nephews.

We take comfort in knowing that Doug (Poppa) is now in the presence of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  We are so grateful to the many caregivers that have assisted in taking care of Doug, with a special thanks to Dr. Russell Barnes, Dr. Jonathan Flowers, Saint Joseph Hospice, Jessi Pennington, and Jessica Coleman. We are especially thankful for our friends in Christ from Crossway Church and the Robert and Jeanine Hall Life Group.

Pallbearers will be Robert Hall, Mack Ross, Mickey Blackmon, Justin Moudy, Joe Smith, Davey Simmons, Dan Hall, and Ray Bardwell.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Dewayne Breazeale, Tony Brooks, Phil Cameron, Bobby Carpenter, Marty Hendrix, Danny Jones, Ronnie Jones, Stan McAlpin, Mike McGee, Gene Simmons, and Milton Jones.  Robert Hall and Mack Ross will present an eulogy.

A visitation will be held at Glenwood Funeral Home on August 19, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM with a service to follow in the chapel with Rev. TJ Tennison officiating. Burial will be at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery. 

The family request that any memorials be made to Crossway Church’s Youth Ministry, Vicksburg, Mississippi.