Clay White

Clay White, 92, of Hot Springs, passed away March 16, 2018.

He was born Aug. 17, 1925, to Lester and Veola Money White near Venus, Texas. Clay grew up in Geary, Okla., with a brother, Carl, and two sisters, Mary Ellen and Peggy. He married Nina Jo Ford on Feb. 23, 1947, and graduated from Oklahoma State University. During this time, he participated in the 1948 U.S. Olympic Wrestling tryouts.

In 1951, Clay was a special agent with the FBI in Hot Springs. Retiring in 1977, he became the first director of the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory. Clay was Garland County sheriff for 12 years from 1980-1992.

Although Clay had many good characteristics, we, his family, feel his strongest was his generosity and care for everyone. We were also honored that in 2014 Orval Allbritton/ Garland County Historical Society wrote/published “Lawman — The Story of Clay White, A Life of Service,” a biography of his remarkable life.

Clay is survived by his wife, Nina; children, Glenda, Gary and Greg; grandsons, Austin, Mason and Clayton; sister, Mary Ellen Scoville; in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. Clay was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Carl; and sister, Peggy Cole.

Clay and Nina have been blessed with many loving, supportive family and friends throughout their 92 years, and as Clay stated to Orval for his writings, “my life has been easier and richer because of my friendships.”

A celebration of Clay’s life will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church. A reception will immediately follow in the Christian Life Center.

Clay will be laid to rest at Geary Cemetery in Geary, Okla.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs, The Caring Place of Hot Springs or Garland County Jail Ministries.

Guests may register at http:// www.caruth-hale.com.