[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E32]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




POSTHUMOUS TRIBUTE TO THE LATE EUGENE ``WHITEY'' WHITE, A TRACK STAR AT 
                         FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 21, 2004

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the late Eugene 
``Whitey'' White, a legendary track star at Florida A&M University. It 
is indeed a sad day for the entire Florida A&M University family, 
particularly those involved with the Athletic Department. He will be 
laid to rest on Saturday, January 24, 2004 at Dade Memorial Park in his 
hometown of Miami, Florida.
  His untimely demise this past Thursday, January 15, 2004, leaves a 
great void in our historic institution. He is survived by his beloved 
daughter La Donna, grandson Ryan Smith, sister Cora L. White, nephew 
Eugene Randall White, and the rest of his loving family.
  Eugene White was born in Miami, Florida on December 24, 1937, the 
oldest of three children born to parents, Eugene and Corine White. He 
attended Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School and Booker T. Washington 
High School where he was a star athlete. He was a running back for his 
school's Tornadoes Football Team, and was a sprinter and relay team 
track member. Graduating with the Class of 1957, he was awarded a four-
year scholarship to Florida A&M University where he excelled in sports, 
and became an acclaimed running back for the Rattlers Football Team. 
Upon graduation in 1962, he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins and later 
played for the Oakland Raiders. His illustrious football career 
continued as he played with the Canadian Football League.
  Though he was merely a freshman, Mr. White's most salient feat in the 
annals of Track and Field competition was that then-Coach Pete Griffin 
marveled at his amazing speed by winning the 100-yard dash at the 
Florida A&M Relays in a record 9.4. As he went about garnering many 
more excellent records, he entered the South Carolina State 
Invitational Meet. He was clocked by six official timekeepers at an 
unprecedented 9.5 for the warm-up, and, before the official hundred 
run, Mr. White pulled a muscle. Despite this apparent debacle that 
would have incapacitated many an athlete, he was able to finish second, 
clocking in at 9.7.
  White's magnificent contributions to the personal and professional 
growth of countless youth in his native Miami are well-known, as he was 
admired for his quiet spirit and loving demeanor, always exuding a 
great many gentlemanly virtues that endeared him to the community and 
to his church family. His records on the athletic field have become 
legendary, and they now emblazon the fond memories of countless FAMU 
alumni. Young men and women who came to admire his athletic prowess 
also found him to be a caring professional who personified an 
indomitable example of excellent discipline and genuine compassion for 
his fellowmen. His colleagues highly regarded him as a confidant and 
the epitome of utmost urbanity and gentlemanly behavior. Nowhere has 
this advocacy role played out succinctly in the lives of many 
youngsters than in the indelible mark he left on many students, who 
were inspired by him to excel both in their academic pursuits and 
athletic endeavors.

  Indeed, our FAMU family is genuinely touched and comforted by the 
undaunted leadership, resilient example and personal warmth he exuded 
to those who came to know and admired him. This is the genuine legacy 
he bequeathed to those of us he left behind. In a special way, I am 
privileged to be a grateful alumnus of Florida A&M University, a great 
institution of learning graced bountifully by his remarkable 
contributions, both on and off campus.

                          ____________________