Dateline: Williamston

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Bobby Ray White, age 70, of Ranch Motel Road Williamston, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday June 23, 2026, with his family by his side.

Born on August 22, 1955, at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville, North Carolina, to Frances Pearl Drake and James David White. Bobby lived a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, enduring friendships, and a genuine love for people. He was the beloved husband of Kimberly Clark Hardison White for 40 years, a devoted father, cherished grandfather, respected colleague, and loyal friend.

Bobby dedicated 42 years of his career to Applied Industrial Technologies in Greenville, where he built lasting relationships and earned the respect of customers and coworkers throughout the eastern United States and Canada. As a salesman specializing in industrial supplies, hardware, and equipment, he became a trusted partner to companies including Weyerhaeuser and PCS Phosphate/Nutrien. His knowledge, work ethic, and commitment made him an invaluable asset to both his company and the many businesses he served.

Outside of work, Bobby's greatest joy was his family. Earlier in life, he loved hunting and fishing, especially when sharing those experiences with his sons. He devoted countless hours to coaching farm league and little league teams and was a constant presence in the stands. It was a rare occasion when Bobby missed a game, a practice, or any event involving his children.

Bobby also treasured the friendships he built throughout his life. Friday nights were reserved for gathering at Georgia Dean's Restaurant with his beloved group of friends, affectionately known as the "GDFFF" — Georgia Dean's Friday Friends Forever. Those weekly dinners were filled with laughter, storytelling, fellowship, and the kind of friendships that become family. He looked forward to those evenings and the company of the friends who shared them.

While he deeply loved his children, family members often joked that once the "knotheads"—his grandchildren—came along, it was all over. Being "Bobby" to his grandchildren was one of the greatest joys of his life. They knew they could count on M&Ms, naps in Bobby's chair, and his special gift for helping little ones drift off to sleep. With a gentle pat on their backs and a soft rendition of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," he could soothe even the most restless grandchild. Those precious moments will be treasured forever.

Bobby never missed an opportunity to support the people he loved. Whether it was a ballgame, school event, family gathering, or simple afternoon visit, his presence brought comfort, encouragement, and laughter. Whether gathered around a ball field, a hunting camp, a family table, or a Friday night dinner at Georgia Dean's, Bobby made people feel welcome, valued, and loved. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering love, dedication, kindness, and generosity that will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.

He is preceded in death by his parents Jim and Frances White, his sister-in-law Belle White, and his brother-in-law Mike Schatz. He is survived by his loving wife, Kimberly Clark Hardison White; his sons, Jason Robert White (Jane Ashley) and Joshua Taylor White (Liz); his daughter, Jenna White O'Dell (Tyler); his sister, Barbara Ann Schatz (Mike); his brothers, Charles David White "Dickie" (Sharon) and James Ronald White "Jimbo" (Belle); his sister, Frances White Peele (John); and his beloved grandchildren, Jacob, Jenny Kate, Bryson, Brooke, Parker, and Larson, and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends during a visitation on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM. at Walker Funeral Home, Williamston. A graveside service will be held Friday, June 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Martin Memorial Gardens in Williamston, North Carolina with pastor James Heneger officiating.

Though he will be deeply missed, Bobby's memory will live on in every story shared, every game attended, every grandchild's smile, and every verse of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." His family takes comfort in knowing that the love he gave so freely will remain with them always.

Online condolences may be directed to www.walkerfh.net

Walker Funeral Home, of Williamston, is honored to serve the White family.