HOT SPRINGS — Al White, 92,

passed away on July 20, 2020, at his home in Hot Springs, Ark., surrounded by his family. Born Alfred Popkess White on February 12, 1928 in Little Rock, Ark., he was the son of the late Alfred Popkess White,

Sr. and Mary Nell White. Al spent his early years in Russellville and Pine Bluff, and graduated from the Columbia Military Academy in Columbia, Tenn., in 1946. He then attended the University of Arkansas, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and received a BBA in 1951. While serving in the United States Army, Al achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant acting as a cryptographic officer in Washington D.C. In 1954, he returned to Pine Bluff and began his over 50-year career in the cotton buying business alongside his father.

Al’s lifelong passion was classic Jazz music. In 2000, he published his book, Jazz Party, and was later inducted into the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame in 2002. With God’s Grace, Al was a friend of Bill W’s and considered his greatest accomplishment to be his commitment to sobriety for over 48 years.

He is survived by his wife of over 63 years, Ann Rowell White; his son, Alfred Popkess White, III; daughter, Allyson White Lewis; and four grandchildren, Alfred Popkess “Kes” White, IV (Dr. Amy Hilliard White), Samuel Mason White (Dr. Sophie Blue Hollenberg), Abby Ann Lewis and J. Mark Lewis. Also surviving are his niece, Erika Breshears; grand-nephew, Drake Breshears; grandnieces, Ashton Breshears and Alexa Nolan; and cousins, Jessica and Ted Drake and Barbara and Ed McCain.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Al’s life on Saturday, July 25 from 3:30 until 5:00 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Country Club. A second celebration will be held at his home in Hot Springs on Sunday, July 26, from 4 until 6 p.m. Memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 703 West 3rd, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71603. Arrangements by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. www.RalphRobinsonandSon.com