Birth Date: 10/30/1935
Deceased Date: 01/25/2025
Warren Keith White, 89, of Wilson, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025 in Raleigh. Born on October 30, 1935, in Pine Level to the late Mervin Lee White and Marie Peedin White, Warren lived a life full of love, dedication, and service to his family, his community, and his country.
After graduating from Pine Level High School, Warren joined the United States Army and proudly served in Germany for two years. Upon returning, he married his high school sweetheart, Patsy Walters, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage before her passing. Together, they built a life centered on faith, love, and devotion to family.
Warren graduated from East Carolina University and began his professional career at Carolina Telephone in Tarboro, joining their management training program. Over the years, he worked his way up in the company, eventually becoming Secretary and Treasurer. In 1980, Warren moved to Mansfield, Ohio to take the role of Vice President of Finance and Secretary at United Telephone of Ohio, which later became Sprint. He retired in 1991 at the age of 55 and returned to Wilson, where he enjoyed his retirement and continued to play an active role in his community.
A passionate golfer, Warren was a fixture at Willow Spring Country Club for nearly 30 years, playing almost every day. His love for his family was unwavering, and he found immense joy in spending time with his daughter, Beth, and his two grandchildren, Matthew and Anna Sarnelli. He was also deeply fond of his son-in-law, Jerry Sarnelli, whom he considered the son he never had. Family was everything to Warren—he cherished his relationships with his sister, Rose Collison and her family, and his many cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Warren was a proud alumnus of East Carolina University and a devoted Pirate fan. He held the absolute best parking spot at Dowdy Ficklen Stadium and was a regular at ECU games. His generosity, especially towards his alma mater, was felt by many. Most importantly, Warren was known for his grace, dignity, and kindness. He was a true gentleman, a man of integrity, and someone who loved without measure.
Warren was predeceased by his beloved wife, Patsy Walters White. He is survived by his daughter, Beth White Sarnelli and her husband, Jerry, of Raleigh; his grandchildren, Matthew Sarnelli of Clarksville, TN, and Anna Sarnelli of Durham; his sister, Rose Collison of Raleigh; his niece and nephews and many cousins and dear friends.
The family will receive visitors at Parrish Funeral Home in Selma on Wednesday, January 29, from 11:00am-12:00pm, followed by a graveside service at Oliver Cemetery in Pine Level at 12:15pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Patsy Walters White. Online condolences can be made at Parrishfh.com.
