Thomas Valliant White's Obituary
Thomas Valliant White, 72, born and raised in Salisbury, MD, passed away at home in Millsboro, DE on Sunday December 20, 2020 surrounded by his family. A life-long Delmarva resident, Tom loved the area's local waterways, working as an Ocean City life guard for multiple summers in his youth, spending many happy years boating the Chesapeake Bay with his family, mooring in Rock Hall, MD and Cambridge, MD and fishing in Fleets Bay and the tributaries of the Rappahannock River in Virginia.
Tom was the son of the late William Herbert White and Grace Valliant White. A loving husband and compassionate father, he married Georgeann Ellen Hudson in 1976, has two children, Alison Catherine White and Kyle Valliant White, and a daughter-in-law, Whitney Mettam White. Tom is also survived by his sister, Debbie Jo White Holland, and is preceded by his sisters, Gail White Whitmore and Leslie White.
After graduating from Wicomico High School in 1966, Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, primarily serving as a nuclear weapons specialist at the Bitburg Air Base in Germany and the Kleine Brogel Air Base in Belgium. Following his service, Tom attended Salisbury University on the GI Bill and received a Bachelor's of Science in Education in 1974.
Following college, Tom found his passion for sales and business, working for Xerox Corporation as a marketing executive for over 30 years covering a territory spanning Delaware and Maryland. During his early years with Xerox, Tom met Georgeann during a sales visit and later convinced her to also join the company, prompting healthy competition in their relationship. In addition to Xerox, Tom was a small business owner in Sussex County, DE. He owned partnerships in a wholesale distribution and janitorial supply company, a car wash, several tobacco and cigar shops and, most recently, a successful restaurant.
Tom was also active within his community, serving as President of the Millsboro Lions Club, President of the Millsboro Little League and President of the East Millsboro Elementary School Parent Teacher Association. He also spent several terms as the Sergeant at Arms for the Delaware State House of Representatives.
Tom's commitment to building lasting relationships helped him manage his many responsibilities, but he was most proud of his family. His generous spirit and formidable personality meant his home was always open and his views on family extended well beyond blood. Family meant trust, loyalty and compassion to Tom - lessons his family will carry forward in his honor.
A private service is planned which will be followed in the coming months by a celebration of life. Flowers are gratefully accepted or donations can be made in honor of Tom's military service to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/.
Electronic condolences via www.watsonfh.com
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