Raymond Fuller White
October 4, 1902 – December 18, 1987

Father: William Jasper White
Mother: Arkanda “Arkie” Spaulding
Born: Ravenden Springs, Arkansas
Died: Randolph County Medical Center, Pocahontas, Arkansas
Wife: Velma Gage Married: January 4, 1935
Occupation: Farmer
Church: First Baptist Church – Ravenden Springs Arkansas
Siblings: Cora Rice – Older Sister – Living in California
Colon Ezra White – Older Brother – Died Marmaduke Arkansas
Children: None
Burial Services:

First Baptist Church – Ravenden Springs Arkansas
December 20, 1987

Bro. Junior Jernigan, Bro. Butler Smith, Bro. Neil Inness
Special Song: David White
Charter Oak Cemetery – Ravenden Springs Arkansas

Raymond White was born in Ravenden Springs as the youngest son of Jasper and Arkanda White on October 4th 1902. Shortly after his birth (18 months) his mother died. His father raised the three children by his self until his sister came to help. She had children of her own. After she left, Cora was old enough to help take care of the boys - Raymond and Colon.

Raymond took Velma Gage as his wife. Other than spending 6 months in Michigan and 6 months in California, they lived at two different places throughout their marriage but made the old White homestead their home. Raymond and Velma lived in the old homeplace until Raymond became ill and they decided to move to town in Ravenden Springs.

They became friends with everyone in Ravenden Springs and the surrounding area. The community has a long history. During the logging era the population was well above 1000 people. There was a hotel, general store, two churches, blacksmith shop, taverns, café and many other businesses.

After the timber was all cut out there was nothing else for the people of the area to make a living. The soil was rocky and very hilly. Cattle could be raised there but not enough for a strong economy. Now there are less that 280 people living in town.

Raymond died of congested heart failure Friday morning, December 18th 1987 at the Randolph County Medical Center at Pocahontas. The people of the church he attended said he had the best bass voice they had heard and all would miss hearing it in the congregation. He loved to talk and tell stories. He had an amazing memory for names and places and he usually had a story to tell about either one.

Raymond and Velma both loved animals. They once had a horse that died when it was 36 years old. When the horse lost all its teeth they would mix corn meals with warm water or milk to feed the horse. In winter they would break ice in the water trough or place warm water for it to drink if the water was frozen solid. A man came and wanted to buy the horse. He offered Raymond a very good price for the horse. Raymond asked what the man planned to do with the horse. The man changed the subject. Raymond asked again the man’s plans for the horse. When he told him he planned to take it to the glue factory, Raymond ran him off the property. Raymond said they had the horse when they got married. It helped them make many crops and gardens as well as helped in the timber. The least he could do was to take care of the horse. They took care of all their dogs, cats and other farm animals.

Raymond was a large man with a large heart. He loved to smoke his pipe and talk. Anyone who knew him could tell you about his pipe. How he would beat the pipe in his hand to knock out any unburned tobacco and refill it. He would always light his pipe with a kitchen match and let it burn as far down as it could before he blew it out.

Raymond loved to raise a garden. Break the ground in the spring and plant the seeds then wait for the tiny plants to break through the topsoil. There was always a table full of food anytime you would stop by for a visit. He was a big man and it was little wonder with a fine cook as Velma.

They never had running water or gas to heat or cook with. The house was heated by a large rock fireplace with the names of all the boys carved on the mantle. Velma cooked with a wood burning cookstove. When they moved to Ravenden Springs they had all the conveniences they ever wanted.