Theodore Maurice White

Obituary for Ted White

              Theodore Maurice White I was born to proud parents of Thomas Theodore White I and Aldridge Fay Buckner on January 25, 1933 in Lincoln Nebraska. Shortly after he was born the family relocated to Oakland CA. Theodore excelled in football and track while at McClymond’s high. He was also a Drum Major in the marching band. He graduated from McClymond's High School January 1952.

              Upon graduation from high school, he joined the United States Air Force and married his high school sweetheart Ida Jacqueline Johnson at Camp Parks, Dublin CA in 1952.

Ted and Ida had five children together in various parts of the country and world, Thearesa, Farris, Mark, Michael and Theodore II.

Theodore was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force after serving twenty years, four months and six days as an electrician and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon discharge he returned to California and resided in Richmond.

Theodore’s original plan was not to retire from the U.S. Air Force, but to join the IBEW Local 595, Electrical Union. He was denied multiple times from becoming a member of the union because of the color of his skin. He stayed in the Air Force until he could join. In 1972, Theodore was finally allowed to become a member of the IBEW Local 595 in Alameda County.

Theodore was a very accomplished artist during his lifetime. He created many oil paintings and metal and wood sculptures that earned him multiple awards.

After the death of Ida J. White in December of 1995, Theodore remarried to Doris Jean Smith on July 2, 2005. Theodore and Doris resided in Hercules CA for approximately 12 years until his death on December 23, 2020.

Theodore was recognized by many friends and family members with other notable names that were given to him as a badge of honor – Mike, Ted, Theo, Monk.

At the end of his mobile days, Theodore’s most cherished accomplishment was becoming a golf marshal at a local golf course.

Theodore’s loving memory will always be cherished by his devoted wife Doris White, his brother, Thomas Theodore White II, his daughters, Thearesa Marla Minix, Pharris Hope White-Wheeler, and Adrian Michele White Antinia Gregory, Dede Felder. Sons, Mark A. White, Michael Theodore White, Theodore M. White II, Michael Layson, Lawrence Gurganious Jr. Daughters-in-law, Carroll Elaine White and, Christi Layson Bisa Gurganious. Sons-in-law, Bruce Minix, Putah Gregory, Matty Felder. Grand children, Jamul Abdul White, Rashaad McAlpin, Angel and Theo White, Michael Theodore White II, Kyle, Kayla, Keefe and Taylor White, Armani Jackson, David Gurganious, Lawrence Gurganious II, Aliyah Castaneda, Skye Castaneda, Peytyn Castaneda, Erianna Jackson, Alyssa Jackson, Zina Davis, Antea Gregory, Symone Gurganious, Sammi Layson, Mick Layson, Neeahama Gurganious, Nina Gurganious, Naomi Gurganious and 8 Great-Grandchildren and special friend/brother Donald Houston.

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