Howard “Wayne” White aka BOOTLGR, Dad, Poppa of Stephens City passed away October 27, 2023 at Winchester Medical Center of congestive heart failure. He was born in Stephens City on September 8, 1934, the ninth child of Howard and Elsie White. He attended Stephens City School and graduated from James Wood High in 1952. He loved to attend his class reunions and did so this year. It was his dream to become a professional baseball player or State Trooper.

At age 15, he almost died of rheumatic fever and spent 40 days in the hospital. Miraculously, he survived and began his first job at Wilkins Shoe Center as a stock boy and window-washer. He worked there for 13 years and during that time drove a Frederick County school bus for a year. In 1965, he went to work for Acme Boot Co. From there, he worked for Durango, Lorado, Texas and Justin Boot companies. He retired from Twisted X–a new company he helped pioneer—at the age of 83. He traveled over a territory that covered 6 states with 100 or so stores. He traveled about 25,000 miles a year with never a serious road accident. The “man who knew boots” was beloved by his co-workers and customers. He attributed his success to “building relationships at work”. He won many awards for the amount of boots he sold.

Wayne was born into a musical family. He was gifted with a beautiful voice of which he could sing both baritone and bass. He sang many solos at church and was a member of the White Quartet with 3 of his brothers. His mother played piano and the quartet sang for many functions. He also sang in the Canterburg Carnegie Hall variety shows.
He was a devoted member of Fairview Church where he held positions on the Board of Trustees, was assistant Sunday school superintendent and President of the Men’s Group. He especially enjoyed putting fruit baskets together for the elderly at Christmastime. He also served on the Board of Trustees at Greenhill Cemetery in Stephens City. He attended church for 89 years.
Wayne was a farmer. He loved his cows and tractors. The farm was a central gathering spot for holidays and family get-togethers for many years.

Wayne married the love of his life, Jewell Brown, on February 20, 1955. They met when her family moved across from his when they were in their teens. He was first and foremost a family man. He especially loved the little ones and was a selfless soul who loved all of his family unconditionally. He was always willing to help those who were down and out. Wayne and Jewell were married for 68 years and raised 4 children: Jacqueline (Jackie) Laing (Mike), Rebecca Brannon (Rick), Jess White (Bonnie) all of Stephens City and Chris White (Rene’) of Bluemont. Also surviving are: 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 1 on the way!, 2 great-great grandchildren, many step grandchildren and step great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews who loved “Uncle Wayne”.

He had been caregiver to his only surviving sibling, Lois for several years. Preceding him in death, were his parents, brothers Elmer, Lawrence and Leonard(twins), Hugh, William, Allen and sisters Audrey and Marcella, 2 grandbabies and 1 great grandbaby.

Wayne will be remembered as the friendliest person ever, humble, known for picking up hitchhikers, a true gentleman, dapper dresser, and beloved family man, neighbor, community member, co-worker and friend.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 6pm to 8pm with a service the following day, Friday, November 3, 2023 at 11am, all held at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. Interment will be in Fairview Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Church, 1132 Double Church Rd., Stephens City, Va. 22655