Michael Lee White

Michael Lee “Mike” White, well-known resident of the Somerville Community, husband of Salen Holland White and a person active in the civic, political and community affairs of Fayette County departed this life Wednesday afternoon, February 6, 2013 at the St. Francis Hospital in Memphis where he had been a patient for two weeks. He was 60 years of age and died following an illness of ten weeks.

Services of Remembrance for Mr. White were conducted at 3 P.M. Saturday, February 9th at the Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland with his brother-in-law, Rev. Rick Shepherd, Methodist Minister of Holcomb, Mississippi officiating. A Private Family Interment will be in the Somerville City Cemetery. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes and Cremation Center — Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mike was born September 1, 1952 in Memphis, the son of M.C. White and the late Judy Thomas White. He was a graduate of the Bartlett High School and continued his education at the William R. Moore School of Technology in Memphis. He was a former resident of Memphis before moving to the Somerville Community 13 years ago, where he quickly developed a love for the community and became involved in numerous area activities.

Known by many as “Santa Claus”, Mike was a registered Real Bearded Santa Claus since 2007. This was his passion and he was the embodiment of the real love of Christmas. This was not just a seasonal part-time position, this was a way of life and he spread the joy and promise of Christmas every day of the year. Mike greeted everyone he met with a smile, a gentle manner and a great love of life. Mike never met a stranger and was loved by many.

Mike was a valuable employee of Comcast Communications in Memphis after many years in the construction field. The record that he held for the fastest completion of a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise remains unbeaten until this day. He was responsible for installing the tower bells at Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Memphis while working for his father’s construction company, M.C. White Construction Company of Memphis. In earlier years, Mike also operated his own construction company, Marite Construction in Memphis.

Mike was recently reelected for his second term as Somerville Alderman for his district after being first appointed as an interim alderman. He was also a member of the Planning Commission and served on the City Task Force supporting multi-city events. Mike was responsible for implementing a neighborhood watch program for his community and formed the Somerville Antique Car Club. He was a familiar figure in the Somerville area driving his “Santa Claus” antique Ford automobile decorated in Christmas colors. For a number of years, Mike coordinated the “Santa Presents” Christmas Show in Somerville benefiting the Fair Theater Restoration Project. Mike loved the history and heritage of Somerville and Fayette County and this was evidenced by his appointment as Alderman Chairman of the historic Somerville City Cemetery.

Mike approached each task in life from city government to charity events with the same depth of conviction as his love for family. Mike’s family was a priority in life and his devoted, supporting wife was a shining star that put a twinkle in his eye. His children and his grandchildren showered him with blessings abundant and joy that knows no end. Mike and his wife, Salen, graciously opened their home each Christmas season for the annual Somerville Christmas Tour of Homes that was enjoyed by local residents as well as out-of-town visitors. He was a multi-talented person who was blessed with a God-given talent to create with his hands and share these blessings with his community.

In addition to his wife, Mr. White is survived by his daughter, Kristi Whiting (Josh) of Dothan, AL; three sons, Jason White (Jennifer) of Memphis, Andy White (Megan) of Gainesville, GA, Jason Mayse (Melissa) of Millington; his father, M.C. White of Mountain Home, AR; his sister, Marsha Brown of Somerville; three brothers, Steve White (Leigh) of Millington, Tommy White (Jan) of Mountain Home, AR, Kevin White (Mary) of Mountain Home, AR; and nine grandchildren.

Those honored to serve as honorary casketbearers were the employees and aldermen of the City of Somerville.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Somerville City Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 909, Somerville, TN 38068 or the Shelby County Chapter of the American Diabetes Association, 5587 Murray Road, Suite 105, Memphis, TN 38119.