William (Bill) Rodney White

William “Bill” Rodney White, born April 25, 1940, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children and loving wife, on May 24, 2026.

Bill was born in Summertown, Tennessee, to the parents of Claude and Marie White.  After graduating from Ole Miss, he met the love of his life, Hanna, in 1965. Together they shared nearly 60 years of marriage while raising a close and loving family.

In 1966, Bill and Hanna moved to Gainesville, Georgia, where he served as the Parks and Recreation Director. During the planning of the Wilshire Trail, a large rock was discovered, and Bill had the vision to leave it in place. That rock later became known as the iconic “The Rock” of Gainesville High School. He later founded Tenni-Flor, supporting the development of tennis courts throughout Georgia.  He spent years developing residential communities throughout North Georgia, taking great pride in identifying property and transforming it into thoughtfully developed communities.

In retirement, he enjoyed propagating and growing plants for his Highland Garden Nursery and sharing his plant knowledge with friends. He also developed a love for woodworking and could be found working in his workshop, making projects to give to others. He was happiest when creating, fixing, building, or teaching. To those who knew him best, Bill could make, fix, or figure out just about anything.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Hanna White; his son, William A. White and grandchildren, Jasey and Mattie White; his son, Matthew White and grandchildren, Halie and Rabb White; his daughter, Ansley Scurlock and son-in-law Brian Scurlock and grandchildren Ethan, Parker, Kaleigh, and Asher Scurlock; and his daughter, Callie Coleman and grandchildren Walker, Cade, and McGinly Coleman, brother Michael (Margie) White and their four daughters

Bill will be remembered for his wisdom, resourcefulness, determination, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. Above all else, Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and provider who always put his family first. His steady presence and unconditional love will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

The family finds peace in knowing Bill is now healed, restored, and in the presence of his Savior.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the Whispering Angels Youth Ranch, 4549 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30506, 678-725-0735, https://whisperingangelsyouthranch.org/donate-in-memory; or Shriners Children’s https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/ways-to-give/donate or by mail to Shriners Children’s, Processing Center, P.O. Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394.

Visitation will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30501, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 11 AM - 1 PM.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200.

Online condolences may be sent to memorialparkfuneralhomes.com

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