Joseph "Jody" White (Tulia)

Joseph Wagner White, 80, went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 25, 2024. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, October 29, 2024 in the Kornerstone Funeral Directors Chapel. Services are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Tulia.

 A visitation will be held at 6:00 to 8:00 PM Monday, October 28, 2024 at the funeral home. 

 Joseph was born on March 18, 1944 to C.L.. and Jennie White. As a young child he acquired the nickname Jody, which stuck with him all his life. 

Jody was a member of the First Baptist Church in Tulia and accepted God as his savior in 1954. He attended Tulia schools, graduating in 1966. He was a member of Boy Scouts of America, Future Farmers of America and played football for the Hornets. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the United States Army serving in Germany. He was on the pistol team and did competition shooting. 

Jody met the love of his life, Clifteen Whitmire from Kress, on the famous Dip Street in Tulia. They were married on March 29, 1968.

Jody was affiliated with the Tulia Masonic Lodge, Tulia Jaycees, Peace officers Association and was a member of the Swisher County Sheriff’s Posse riding club. He held commission with Swisher County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy and jailer. He was a certified peace officer in Texas and was a reserve deputy for the Swisher County Sheriff’s Department. 

His passion in life was photography. In 1974 he opened his studio, “Pictures by Jody” and specialized in weddings and family portraits. He was a member of the Texas Professional Photographers. Jody was a Life Member of Amarillo Gun Club and served on the Board of Directors. 

 His hobbies were trap shooting and riding motorcycles. He loved the challenge of wood working and made several beautiful cabinets and entertainment centers. 

He was a life member of Swisher County Memorial Building and served on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Jody was a farmer, rancher and worked night security for Lonestar Feedyard in Happy and Swisher County Feedyard in Tulia.

 He worked for the Texas Department Criminal Justice as a guard for several years. Jody always liked helping people, so he became a driver for the Panhandle Community Service. He enjoyed getting to know the people as he took them back and forth to dr. appointments.

Jody loved his family and was very proud of his children and their accomplishments. His grandchildren were his pride and joy.

 He is preceded in death by his parents, C.L. and Jennie Vaughn White, his brother, Charles Lee White.

 He is survived by his wife, Clifteen, his son, Lee White and wife Kristie, his daughter, Kristi Long and husband Dan, his sister, Virginia Stark, his grandchildren, Shaleigh and Cody Long, Lucas and Katilyn White.

 Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, library fund, 101 N Crosby Ave, Tulia, TX 79088 or the Town & Country 4-H, 310 W. Broadway Tulia, TX 79088.