Norman "Bruce" White's Obituary
Norman Bruce White, known affectionately as "Bruce," passed away peacefully at his home in Denver, North Carolina on December 20, 2024, at the age of 98.
Born on August 23, 1926, in Enosburg Falls, Vermont to Norman William White and Hazel Maynard White, Bruce lived a life marked by devotion to family, service to country, and steadfast faith in God. Using the GI Bill, he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Vermont (UVM) and also earned a certification in photography which he used to open his own photography studio in Bradford, VT in the late 1940’s.
Bruce honorably served his country twice - first in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, and later in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict, where he served as Staff Sergeant. During the Korean Conflict, he served as a flight engineer on C-54 aircraft, flying critical supply missions and evacuating wounded service members. Following his military service, Bruce had a distinguished 30-year career at Texaco (now Chevron), where he served as a senior project engineer in Fishkill, New York until his retirement in 1987. His colleagues there lovingly nicknamed him "Boo Boo" due to his fondness for Yogi Bear. The engineer in him ensured that everything was done with precision and no corners were cut, a standard he carried throughout his life. After his retirement, Bruce and Carol began “Creatively Yours,” a ceramic studio in their home where Carol taught classes and Bruce meticulously poured greenware, attended to the electrical wiring and music box placement for the finished pieces, and ran the firing of the ceramics.
On January 1, 1946, he married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Louise Judd. Their union was blessed with two treasured sons: Terry Alan White (wife Judy White) and Stephen Bruce White (wife Barbara White). They celebrated 23 years of marriage before Carolyn's passing. In time Bruce found love again and married Carol Lee Kelley Russell, celebrating their golden anniversary on August 3, 2024. Through this marriage, he lovingly adopted Carol's daughter, ShelleyJeanne Russell, forming a bond as close as any father and daughter could share.
Bruce is survived by his wife Carol White of Denver, NC, his sister-in-law Alice White; his children Terry White (Judy), Stephen White (Barbara), and Shelley Makohon (Peter); his grandchildren Heather Saltamacchio (Ryan), Daniel White (Lisa), Collin Makohon (Kristen), and Hayley Cederberg (Charlie); his great-grandchildren (Makayla and Lauren Saltamacchio, Elizabeth White, Elliotte and Asher Cederberg, and Arthur and Peter Makohon); and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife Carolyn White, his brothers Dean and Lee White, Lee's wife Phyllis, and his sister Lorraine Gulick and her husband Don.
A skilled craftsman, Bruce built his family home in Wappinger Falls, New York, showcasing his attention to detail and dedication to providing for his loved ones. His passions included gardening, particularly known for his prized sugar snap peas and peaches, beekeeping, as well as woodworking and camping. He was beloved for his homemade fudge, a special tradition now carried on by his grandchildren, as well as his "sugar on snow" and maple sugar cakes. Among his uniquely special projects are a handcrafted dollhouse, a cider press and a grandfather clock. With his very mechanical and logical mind, Bruce was able to build or fix anything.
Bruce was a proud Christian whose faith guided his life, finding particular comfort and inspiration in Psalm 23 and John 3:16. Universally described by all who knew him as the kindest and gentlest of men, his devotion to God and family was the cornerstone of his life. Patient and faithful, practical yet fun-loving, his balanced nature and ability to find humor in life's moments reflected his deep spiritual convictions. He was active in Cursillo and Marriage Encounter, demonstrating his commitment to spiritual growth and strengthening marriages. Throughout his life, he actively served his community and faith, volunteering at Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte, NC and the Huntersville Food Pantry. He frequently helped repair various churches he attended over the years, including his skilled restoration of the doors at Zion Episcopal Church in Wappinger Falls, New York. Wherever a hand was needed, Bruce was there to give both. A three-time cancer survivor, Bruce was lovingly referred to as our “Energizer Bunny.” He will be remembered for his endearing habit of responding to "How are you Bruce?" with a grin and his signature phrase, "Able to sit up and take a bit of nourishment!"
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 30th, 2024, at 10:00 AM at James Funeral Home, 10520 Arahova Dr, Huntersville, NC 28078, with celebration of life service beginning at 11:00 AM followed by graveside services at Northlake Memorial Cemetery, 11001 Alexanderana Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078.
The celebration of Bruce's life will be livestreamed at http://www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com/obituaries/permalink/11637161/LTWebcast
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to: St. Jude's Anglican Church, PO Box 1921, Huntersville, NC 28070; Welcome Home Veterans, 165 North Main Street, Mooresville, NC 28115; or the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 (please specify that the donation should be for dementia research).
May Bruce’s memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
James Funeral Home is assisting the family, online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomeln.com.
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