Harold Claude White

A tribute to Harold Claude “Rusty” White from a daughter's point of view…

Harold “Rusty” White, epic storyteller, gardening connoisseur, self- proclaimed outdoor survivalist, and legendary theologian, took his final breath at home surrounded by those he loved dearly on Thursday, December 5, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer. 

Harold was born on November 19, 1951 in Meridian, Mississippi, to Buck and Fredna White. Harold had red hair and was given the nickname, “Rusty” early in life by an aunt that did not want him to be called “Red”. The name Rusty stuck for life - most people did not know his real first name. He was the middle child with two sisters, Theresa, and younger sister Connie. He loved and adored his sisters and was loved and adored most of the time by them. He spent his early days in the Oakland Heights area of Meridian where he and his close friends would gain a name for themselves around the neighborhood. Those adventures which now seem like tall tales have been told generations later. At the approximate age of ten, he was fast and furious on the Soap Box Derby racetrack in Meridian. In junior high, Rusty and several friends made the newspaper, The Meridian Star, for a science project - they built a spaceship and “blasted into space” on the top of Kate Griffin Junior High School building. 

Rusty graduated from Meridian High School in 1969. After high school, he attended Mississippi State University. According to local lore, Rusty’s days at MSU were comparable to Bluto in the movie Animal House. Rusty never confirmed or denied that allegation. Eventually, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business in 1994 and went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from Mississippi State University. In the early 70s, Rusty became the youth director and Boy Scoutmaster at his childhood church, Oakland Heights United Methodist Church, in Meridian. Rusty became a mentor and friend to numerous youth during his time as scout master and also as an Explorer Post leader. Epic adventures were created on trips to the Black Creek, Chunky and Chickasawhay Rivers and Current River where Rusty began a lifelong love of camping and outdoor life. Fifty years later, he still has a close connection with members of his scout troop.

On September 30, 1978, Rusty married the love of his life, Donna Humphries White. During their courting phase, Donna helped chaperone Explorer expeditions and shenanigans. Donna quickly became in love with the wild outdoorsman and they became best friends first and foremost. Her heart would flutter when Rusty was around even after 46 years. Rusty was quite the romantic and won her over with his charm, wit, and twinkly blue eyes. However, there were two very important children in Rusty’s life at that time who were not so sure about Donna. His five-year-old niece, Kim, was not happy about Rusty having another woman taking time away from her. After a short time, Donna gained the trust and friendship of Kim. As for the other VIP, three-year-old nephew John, he received a big wheel “bribe” to be the ring bearer in their wedding. John and Rusty would go on to have a deep philosophical relationship. Later comes along another VIP, nephew Ryan, the precious baby of the family who inherited Rusty’s red hair, sarcasm, and wit. Rusty had a true deep love for his niece and two nephews. 

The best part of his life began in March 1980, when his first daughter, Lauren was born. Then in March 1983, his world would forever change when a legend was born, his daughter Lesley. Rusty would forever be a girl dad. He was the lightweight punisher parent, always making Donna do the disciplining so he would be the good guy. He raised his daughters to admire and love the outdoors as much as he did. Only one daughter, Lauren, appreciated his love and admiration for the outdoors. On the other hand, Lesley did not appreciate the outdoors but gained his sense of humor and ability to tell great tales. He was patient, kind, and loving. He was the best daddy us two girls could ask for and we will miss him greatly. 

At a very early age, Rusty’s father “employed” him to learn construction work beginning by first digging ditches. He learned the appreciation from several of the men on job sites no matter what your job - do it to the best of your ability. He gained an appreciation for people in all walks of life. In his late twenties and thirties, Rusty came back to construction with his father for a short time, sold insurance, and worked in manufacturing management at Masonite Roofing and Dennison National in Meridian. After wrestling for 20 years with a call to ministry, at the age of forty, Rusty made the decision to dedicate his life spreading the word of God. He graduated in 1998 with a Master of Divinity from Duke University Divinity School. Rusty became an ordained Deacon (1997) and an ordained Elder (2000) in the Mississippi United Methodist Conference under appointment as pastor to churches until his retirement in 2018. At his death, he was the pastor at Madden Community Church, Madden, Mississippi. 

Rusty spent the latter part of his life devoted to his four grandchildren as “Poppie”. He and Donna, “Nonnie”, would continue to share their love of the outdoors with their three youngest grandchildren [Lesley’s children], Ashlyn, Reid, and Gracie, with camping and river trips to Missouri, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina and Alabama. Their oldest grandchild [Lauren’s child], Reagan, much like Lesley, was not a fan of the outdoors. Rusty’s love of 60s and 70s music impacted Reagan, who committed her life to a career in music as a musician, deejay, and music historian. Most recently in July 2024, Rusty and Donna took their grandson and two friends to the Current River in Missouri for a week-long canoe trip. The “old folks” were still able to prove to the younger men their canoeing experience in navigating the twists and turns of the river and even a snake in the canoe.

Rusty made an impact in numerous people’s lives over the last 73 years. He was loved and admired by many people. He was a light in the world and will be missed deeply. 

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Harold C. “Buck” White and Fredna Yarbrough White; sisters, Theresa Bounds and Connie Thomas; mother and father-in-law, Harry and “Totsie” Humphries; brother-in-law, Eddie Thomas; granddaughter, Madison Elizabeth Davis; and a man’s best friend-his dog JoJo. 

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Donna; daughters, Lauren Bussey and Lesley (Shane) Youngblood. Grandchildren, Reagan Bussey, Ashlyn Davis, Reid Davis, and Gracie Youngblood. Two brother-in-laws, Don Bounds and Justus (Patti) Humphries. Nieces and nephews, Kim (Clint) Rogers, John (Tracy) Bounds, Ryan (Ashley) Thomas, Matt Humphries, Catie Walker and Ashleigh (Sean) Zingraf. Seven great nieces and nephews. 

Honorary Pallbearers are Eagle Scouts of Boy Scout Troop # 101 under Rusty’s leadership - Jim Buckley, David Coate, Bobby Ramage, Justus Humphries, Don Keith, Mark Phillips, Clifton Eakes and Chris White. 

A time of visitation and Memorial Service will be held at Old Town Wesley Church, 234 West Jackson Street, Ridgeland MS, on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm with the Memorial Service at 1:00 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to a church or charitable organization of your choice.