Lanier White

Francis Lanier White, 85, of 254 Ridge Road, Belvidere, NC, died Wednesday, August 20, 2014 in Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, Elizabeth City. Mr. White was born in Perquimans County on September 16, 1928 and was the son of the late Paul Jay and Irma Winslow White. A graduate of Elizabeth City High School, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and at both schools he played drums in their bands. Later, after serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, he played drums locally for the popular Big Band sound of Wilford Dail's Orchestra. A retired agent with United Life Insurance Company, he lived his adult life in the Whiteston community of Perquimans County and was a member of Up River Friends Meeting. After retirement, he enjoyed fishing, gardening, and doting on his dog, Poco. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Otis Jay White. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Lois Faye Benton White; three sons, Paul L. White and Stuart V. White, both of Belvidere, and Kent B. White and wife Brenda of Hertford; eight grandchildren, Austin, Connor, Tori, Brianna, Hannah, Megan, Blair, and Holly; and three great-grandchildren, Tanner, Cannon, and Ainsley. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in Up River Friends Meeting by Pastor Richard Wilcox. A private burial will follow in Up River Cemetery. Friends may join the family in the fellowship hall of the Meeting House immediately following the service. Miller & Van Essendelft, Funeral and Cremation Providers, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.