Gus White Jr, 84, of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away on August 30, 2025.

He was born on December 29, 1940 in Sumter, South Carolina to Gus White and Pearl White (nѐe Holland).  Shortly after coming into the world in Sumter, Gus and his parents moved to Rochester, NY, then on to Cleveland, Ohio where he remained.

Gus met many people and made many friends of all races throughout his life.  He was known for his sense of humor and his great ability to tell a funny story.  He was also known for his kindness and generosity to friends, coworkers and family.  But Gus was mostly known for his love of football both on and off the field!  He graduated from East High on January 29, 1960 and he, along with his friend Jones Davis, was one of the 1^st African American captains of his high school’s football team.  He often spoke of his senior year when he and his team went undefeated throughout the regular season for the first time in 27 years.  His nickname was “Gus White, The Guiding Light” because he often led his teammates down the field to victory.  Even towards the end of his life when you asked him his name, he would say: “Gus White, The Guiding Light!”

Gus was also known for being a family man.  He met and married Geraldine (Geri) Brown in 1962 and went on to have four beautiful kids.  Unfortunately, Geri lost her battle with breast cancer in 1991.  Eventually, Gus met and married Deborah Evans and they enjoyed many years together until she lost her life to an untimely death.  Gus was fortunate to meet Ms. Annie Kemp later in his life and they remained close until the very end.

Gus worked as a Journeyman Millwright for Alcoa for over 30 years and had one of the most memorable retirement parties where his family and friends were all able to get together and celebrate his career.  He also enjoyed many hobbies over the years, including hunting and raising hunting dogs, sport shooting, fishing, and listening to good music.

Gus was preceded in death by both his parents and both loving wives, Geri and Deborah.  He is survived by his children: Avery White, Tiffany Ramzy, Traci Monroe and Codi Keenan. His grand & step grandchildren: Christopher Monroe, Phillip Smith, Vanessa Smith, Alex Shumaker, Avery White, Jr, Liam Keenan and Breann Keenan.  His great-grandchildren, Nina Monroe and Westyn Monroe.  His siblings Sylvester White and Dorothy White.  And his loving companion, Ms. Annie Pearl Kemp.  Plus, all his nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who all loved him and valued his friendship.