William "Bill" T. White

William “Bill” T. White, 84, of Ortonville, Michigan, passed away on July 4, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born in Pontiac, Michigan, Bill was the son of William and Ethel (Aldridge) White. After his mother’s passing during his early childhood, he was lovingly raised by his father and his new mom, Beatrice White.

In 10th grade, Bill made the bold decision to enlist in the United States Army and was stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was during a brief trip to Illinois to drop off his friend, that his life changed forever—he met a young woman named Freida Reed. The connection was instant and enduring. After returning to Colorado, Bill sent Freida a letter asking for her hand in marriage. Two weeks after meeting, she boarded a bus to Colorado and were married on March 19, 1961, beginning a life together rooted in love, loyalty, and quiet strength.

While still in the Army, Bill and Freida started their family, welcoming three children—Billy, Dianna, and Barbara. After over six years of military service, Bill was honorably discharged, and the couple finally settled down, adding two more children, Robert and Cheri, to complete their family.

Freida was not only Bill’s wife, but his anchor and closest friend. Her love was the constant that steadied him through every challenge and every success. Their bond was unshakeable, and their 58 years together were filled with devotion, laughter, and shared purpose. Her passing in 2019 left a space no one else could fill.

Bill was a gifted tradesman, working for companies like F. Joseph Lamb, Hoover, and, after moving to Texas, started his own business - W.T. White Company, which specialized in machine repair. Upon returning to Michigan, he went to work for Chrysler in roles that spanned tool and die making, welding, and machine repair. Bill's mechanical mind and inventive hands were legendary—he could build or fix just about anything, whether it was a satellite dish, a circuit board, or a broken tool. And if he couldn’t fix it the conventional way, duct tape was always his trusted backup. Even after retirement, Chrysler continued to call on Bill for his expertise, a testament to his talent and reliability.

In 1969, Bill began a new journey as a Freemason. After becoming a Master Mason, he joined the Shriners and was particularly dedicated to volunteering at the Shrine Circus in Houston, Texas, often serving as an usher with joy and pride. He continued his Masonic education and proudly earned the title of 32nd Degree Mason. His membership in the fraternity was one of his greatest honors, even earning his 50-year pin. The friendships and brotherhood he found there were deeply meaningful to him

Outside of work and service, Bill found peace in the outdoors. He loved camping and was happiest on the water, earning the nickname “White Cap” for his tendency to take the boat out, even in rough conditions. When he was home, he could often be found on his ham radio—a hobby he picked up at just 14 years old, when he became the youngest licensed operator in Michigan. Later in life, he lovingly made his CB handle “White Cap.”

A lifelong animal lover, Bill always had a dog by his side. From childhood until his final years, they were his faithful companions. He adored all kinds of dogs and, not long ago, was talking about his dream of owning a Great Dane.

Bill leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, ingenuity, and quiet service. He is survived by his children, Billy (Tammy) White, Dianna (Lloyd) Smith, Barbara (Calvin) Frieling, Robert (Stephanie) White, and Cheri (John Allen) White; grandchildren, Lloyd Jr. (Kate), Thomas, Angie (Bryan), Amber, Robert, Jonathan, Kassie, Alex, Bianca (Jay), and Isabell; and great-grandchildren, T.J., Charlotte, Nicklas, David, Logan, Bjorn, Jaxson, Wyatt, and Raven.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Freida White; his parents, William and Ethel White; his mom, Beatrice White; his grandson, David Smith; his stepsister, Shirley Norton; and brother-in-law, Claude Norton.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Coats Funeral Home, 3141 Sashabaw Rd., Waterford, MI 48329. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial and Military Honors will follow at Christian Memorial Gardens West Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Shriners Children’s Chicago and Shriners Children’s Erie, organizations close to his heart.

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