Glen I. White, 91, one of Bay City's most dedicated citizens passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2006. He was born on March 29, 1914 in Blessing, TX to the late H. I. and Georgia McDaniels White.
Glen attended schools in Citrus Grove, and Blessing. He graduated from Bay City High School in 1932 and began working with his father in the family lumber and hardware business, Bay City Material Company, after one year at Blinn Junior College. He joined the Merchant Marines in 1942, and returned to Bay City Material as co-owner and director following WW II. In 1978 he sold the business.
Among the many hours of dedication to his city and country, he served as a leader or president of the following organizations: Bay City Jaycees, Bay City Lions Club, Bay City Chamber of Commerce, Bay City Industrial Foundation, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Volunteer Fire Dept., and the United Way. He was also a 50 years + member of Bay City Masonic Lodge AF & AM 865, Scottish Rite of Galveston, Gulf Coast Shrine Club, and the Arabian Temple of Houston. His contributions to the history of his county was demonstrated when he helped establish, and later served as the Chairman of the Matagorda County Museum Association. He also was member of the First Presbyterian Church since 1925, and served as an Elder there for many years. To demonstrate his respect among community leaders and peers, he was elected Bay City Chamber of Commerce "Outstanding Citizen of the Year" in 1955.
One of Glen's proudest accomplishments was serving, and working with the local government for many years. He served on the City Council for 13 years, and was the Mayor Pro Tem for 6 of those years under Mayor Richard Gusman. Glen was elected to two terms as Mayor of Bay City (1981-1985), and enjoyed being called "Mayor White" until his death. He was a true civic leader, and will be missed in the community.
Glen White was a true character in every sense. He never met a stranger, and was always ready to share stories and discuss how he felt about any subject. He lived his life as a Christian man who loved his wives, his family, his church and his community. He showed his love for Bay City, Matagorda County, and the First Presbyterian Church by participating and volunteering in many charitable organizations, and the city government.
Survivors include: daughters and sons-in-law: Becky & Chris Floyd of Deer Park, Phoebe Reading & John Taylor of Houston, TX, and Patricia Reading & Joe Blandford of Houston. 7 grandchildren: Chris Floyd & wife Rhonda, Shawn Floyd, Tabitha Spence & husband Jeremy, Blake Brown & wife Shea, Courtney Bryan & husband Greg, Barrett Blandford and Carlie Blandford, and great granddaughter Hannah Floyd; and sister: Nora Bremser of Wharton. He was preceded in death by his 1st wife Nellie Coldwater White; 2nd wife Maxine Reading White; sisters: Eve Bartlett and Nola Willmarth; and his beloved younger brother Jack W. White, who was killed in action in Luxembourg during WW II.
Funeral Service will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at the First Presbyterian Church in Bay City with Dr. W. D. Baker and Rev. John-Nelson Pope officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Denton Leissner, E. M. Huitt, Paul Sliva, Mike Brady, Frank Hurley, and Mayor Richard Knapik. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Bay City Lions Club. Memorials may be made to: Lions' Eye Bank of Texas, % Alicen Swift, 6565 Fannin, Ste. NC205, Houston TX 77030, or the Shriner's Hospital for Children (Galveston), Attn: Administration, 1815 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City (979)245-4613.