[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 5271-5272]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING WILLIE WHITE

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 3, 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Willie White, who is an Educator, a Leader and Public Servant.
  Willie is a native of Canton, MS, where he and his older brother, 
Booker T. Jones, grew up and were raised by their grandparents. He is 
the second oldest child of Earl Jones and Lonnie B. White Bratton. In 
the late forties, both parents relocated to different Northern states, 
married and other siblings were born. The 68 year old, credits his 
stern grandparents for him becoming the man he is today.
  After receiving his Elementary and High School education from the 
Madison County Public School District, he entered Alcorn State 
University in the fall of 1967 on a track scholarship. To avoid being 
drafted by the Army or the Marine Corp after receiving draft notices 
from both, he joined the Navy in 1970, where he served for twenty-one 
years on active duty and ten years reserved duty. During this time he 
served three tours in the Vietnam War. Because of his brave and heroic 
acts, he was inducted into the San Diego Aerospace Museum Hall of 
Champions in Balboa Park in San Diego, CA in 1989, along with receiving 
numerous other medals and awards.
  Willie retired from the military in 1990 and began working as a 
Logistic Management Specialist for Naval Air Technical Data and 
Engineering Service Command (NATEC), which is a department of the 
defense supporting the war fighters. During this time, he graduated 
from Defense Acquisition University, San Diego, CA.
  His tenure as an athlete, a high school, college and military track 
coach combined for more than forty years. He received all conference 
honors in football and track for the U.S. Navy, qualified in Track & 
Field for the U.S. Olympic team in 1972, but due to military 
obligations was unable to attend; California High School Coach of the 
year five times, and received the KGTV Channel 10 San Diego award in 
1999 for outstanding citizenship in the community. He also served as 
chaplain and spiritual leader for the Mill Park Home Boys organization 
in San Diego, California.
  In 1963 and 1966, Willie marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 
Canton, MS. In 2000 he was awarded the Martin Luther King, Jr. award in 
Canton, for his participation in these marches trying to ensure equal 
and civil rights for all mankind.
  Since moving to Grenada, MS in 2011, where he now calls home, Willie 
has been very active in the community. He is continuing

[[Page 5272]]

to use his knowledge and skills volunteering in various clubs, groups 
and civic organizations. He serves as president of the Male choir, an 
usher and on the Board of Trustees at Greater Pleasant Grove M.B. 
Church, Gore Springs, MS. He has membership in the following 
organizations: Grenada 100 Black Men of America, Inc., The American 
Legion and V.F.W. Post, Grenada Baptist District Association Men 
Division, Grenada Chamber of Commerce Smile Team, Montgomery-Carroll-
Grenada County Alcorn State University Alumni Chapter, Alcorn State 
University National Alumni Association, Community Relations Council 
member for Finch-Henry Job Corps Center, and a board member of Central 
Mississippi Incorporated. Willie also volunteers at Grenada High School 
by giving assistance to the track coach and the ROTC program.
  He is the father of four children, ten grandchildren and five great 
grandchildren. Willie is currently married to his college sweetheart 
Mildrette Netter White, a 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist. When he is not 
busy giving back to the community, he enjoys singing, listening to 
music, gardening, traveling and spending time with his family and 
friends.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Willie 
White, an Educator, a Leader and Public Servant, for his dedication to 
serving others and giving back to the African American Community.

                          ____________________