January 8, 1933 – January 4, 2024
Dewey Edward “Pete” White passed away on Thur., Jan.4, 2024. He was ninety years old.
Pete was born in Atmore, Alabama, on Jan. 8, 1933, to Charles Benjamin “C. B./Charlie” White and Cleon Beatrice Archer White. In addition to his parents, Pete was preceded in death by his son, Donald Edward White; and great-granddaughter, Evelyn Grace Kubicz; sisters Myrtie Ard, Reldie Weaver, Helen Boehm, Thelma Lott, Velma Pearson, and Judy White; and brothers Alton White, Dewitt White, and James “Buster” White. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Evalyn Runyan White; daughter, Gloria Kucera (Mitch); grandchildren Gerald W. “Jared” Hughes III, Jodi Hughes, and Jasmyn Kubicz (Stephen); great-grandchildren Layla Anne Kubicz, Jackson Lee Kubicz, and Weston James Kubicz; brother, Richard White (Carolyn); and many nieces and nephews.
Pete was a longtime resident of Baldwin County, Alabama, where his parents operated a dairy farm. He attended and played basketball and football at Robertsdale High School and graduated in 1951. In August 1953 he married Evalyn Runyan, and they recently celebrated their seventieth wedding anniversary.
After serving in the United States Army for two years, Pete was awarded a national defense service medal and a good conduct medal. In October of 2023 he was awarded a Quilt of Valor. Following an honorable discharge, Pete began to study accounting. He was introduced to Sam Parker and began working for him. Pete decided to take the national CPA exam and was proud to pass the test without a formal college education. He and Parker formed a partnership that lasted twenty years before Pete retired from the firm. Pete then became vice president of the Farmers and Merchants Bank, later Colonial Bank. Throughout his career, Pete assisted many local businesses with financial matters and coordinated charitable fundraising events with local organizations.
Pete was also active in various real estate developments and business pursuits. He and Jerry Edmundson were the original developers of the KOA campgrounds in Styx River and Lillian, as well as Styx River Water World, a popular family attraction from the late ’70s to the early ’90s. Pete also had the foresight to see the growth potential of south Baldwin County and was the original planner for the outlet mall in Foley, the Riviera Centre, now known as Tanger Outlets. Later, he oversaw the establishment of the Bay Forest subdivision, a popular waterfront community on Wolf Bay. He also started The Computer Outlet, LLC, and a restaurant, Charlie’s Catfish, and was instrumental in the development of Palm Lake RV Park, now known as Johnny’s RV Park, located in Summerdale.
One of Pete’s business partners and friends, local professional Richard Davis, commented that “Pete’s business acumen and foresight were matched by his high moral code and respect for others. He will be missed.”
Pete’s hobbies were watching football and working, catching up with friends and spending time with family. He loved to fry catfish and hushpuppies outdoors with family and friends, and he attended just about every single dance recital, baseball, volleyball, soccer, softball game, and rodeo for his grandchildren and oldest great-grandson.
Graveside services were held at Pine Rest in Foley, Alabama, at 2:00 p.m. on Wed., Jan. 10.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Silverhill Veterans Memorial Organization, P.O. Box 94, Silverhill, AL. 36576.
For more information, please visit: https://gulfcoastmedia.com/stories/silverhill-veterans-memorial-organization-spreads-cheer-during-holiday-season,118355 or https://www.facebook.com/groups/392836069423986
