With deep sadness, our family announces the death of beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather: Freddie Steven "Steve" White, Sr., 77, of Granite Falls, North Carolina, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 while at the Grand National Paso Fino Horse Show in Perry, Georgia.

Steve was born January 13, 1940 in Mount Holly, North Carolina to the late Martha Harding Painter White and Freddie Washington White.

He graduated from Mount Holly High School in 1958; from Wingate University in 1960 and from Kings Business College in 1962. On December 26, 1961, he married his high-school sweetheart, Jane Ellen Rhyne. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage together. Steve was an avid entrepreneur. He especially enjoyed starting and running businesses with his sons, most notably Steve White Motors of Hickory, NC; Cars, Trucks & Credit of Lincolnton, NC; and Steve White Volkswagen Audi of Greenville, SC. He most recently started S & H Poultry Farm in Lincolnton, NC. He had his contractor's license, which he used to build his car dealership buildings. He considered whatever success he had in his businesses as a gift from God. He loved helping people and always looked for opportunities to bless others. He was a talented horse trainer and supported his family in riding, showing and training Paso Fino horses at their farm on Grace Chapel Road. He enjoyed classic cars, lifting weights, playing golf, and riding motorcycles.

Steve is survived by his wife, Jane; his children and their spouses: Steve White Jr. and wife Marsha of Hickory; Chan White and wife Lori of Lincolnton; Marc White and wife Macaulay of Greenville, S.C.; and Susan White Baumert and husband, Stephen of Falls Church, Va.; nine grandchildren: Jordan White; Hunter White and wife Brittany; Freddie Steven "Trey" White III; Meredith White; Marc White Jr.; Morgan White; Jonah Baumert; Benjamin Baumert; and Nathaniel Baumert; and one great-grandchild: Bailey Barnes White. He is preceded in death by his parents, Freddie (in 2006) and Martha (in 2008).

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 921 2nd St NE, Hickory, NC on Monday, September 25th at 10 a.m. The Rev. Ed Sheridan will be officiating. Gravesite service with military rites by American Legion Post 48 will follow at Catawba Memorial Park, 3010 US-70, Hickory, NC 28602.

Source Citation: Drum Funeral Home