Wayne Nathaniel White

Wayne Nathaniel White, age 89, of LaFayette, passed away peacefully on 10/30/2025 at his home.

He was born on December 11, 1935, in the Ridge Grove community. He was brought up in the shadow of his father’s country mercantile alongside his loving siblings, Jerry and Sybil. Wayne always knew the value of hard work as a young boy. He spent many days at his grandparents’ farm nearby, a generational farm he would later in life own and cherish. He would often recall how he loved swimming in the fishing hole and hunting in the woods. These are memories he would carry for a lifetime.

After graduating high school in 1954, Wayne moved to Nashville. He attended auto diesel college and later worked for General Motors in Atlanta. After his father‘s untimely death, he returned to Ridge Grove to run the family mercantile. In 1965, after having married and starting a family, he cofounded Southern Sanitary Company. The business was a regional industrial corporation specializing in a wide assortment of products and equipment to service municipalities and industries. As the sole owner, he sold the business in 2000. He continued to work in the industry for another 23 years, servicing accounts he had called on for decades. After 58 years in the industry, Wayne reluctantly retired in 2023 at the age of 87. He loved his work, professional connections, and being productive.

Wayne was also very civic and community-minded. He served five terms as a Chambers County commissioner, dedicating his time and efforts because he enjoyed doing so. He was instrumental in the construction of the James C. Morgan detention facility, the Chambers County courthouse annex, and the establishment of Kia Corporation in Chambers County. He would often reflect on the trip to Korea and the cultural experience. Wayne was a dedicated member earlier in his life of the Alabama Jaycees. In 1970, he was recognized as a US Jaycee director for outstanding leadership, vision, and ability. He was very instrumental in the formation of Chambers Academy preparatory school, where he served on the original board of directors for many years.

After retiring, Wayne dedicated his time to caring for his farm and cattle. He cherished the moments he spent in his pastures, surrounded by his cows, and reflecting on the past. If the opportunity arose, he would never miss the chance to witness a deer or fish on his property. He always appreciated the satisfaction of a successful hunt or a good catch. His primary objective was to ensure that his land would be cherished and enjoyed by his family for generations to come. If anyone ever visited the “White Farm,” he would always hope that their experience had been enjoyable.

He was a member of Center Baptist Church in Lafayette, where in his younger years he served as a music director. It was the church he attended as a child and where he raised his own children. It was a place of deep significance to him, and he has chosen it as the location for his funeral service and final resting place.

He was survived in life by his three children: David (Diane) White of Lafayette, Lisa (David) Siggers of Lafayette, and Rick White of Auburn. Granddaughter Ashley (Corey) Blair, and great-grandson Caden Blair.

His sister Sybil White Gregory of Dadeville.

Three loving stepchildren: Benny Andrews, Barry Andrews, and Betty Lynn Walker, as well as many step-grandchildren.

Mr. Wayne White was a friend to many who knew him. He was always a great conversationalist and never met a stranger. He will be deeply missed.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 beginning at 11:00 AM CST at Center Baptist Church located at 2511 Co Rd 33, La Fayette, AL 36862. A visitation will be held the night before on November 3, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 PM CST in the parlor at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.  

In lieu of flowers the family the family requests that donations be made to Center Baptist Church Cemetery Fund. Donations can be mailed to Center Baptist Church located at 2511 Co Rd 33, La Fayette, AL 36862.