New Bern-Craven County
Public Library

a member of the Craven-Pamlico Regional Library System


Stanley White

Stanley White dressed in New Bern baseball uniform
(Loaned by Cleo White and Pamela White-Holloway)

Stanley White

(Click image for larger view, image is scanned from photocopy)

Stanley Augustus White, the son of Gladys White and Ernest Foy, was born April 4, 1929, in New Bern, N.C. and departed this life Sunday, June 20, 1971, on Father’s Day.

During an early age, he claimed Ebenezer United Presbyterian Church. His very presence in church was pleasant and cooperative. He loved his pastor, Reverend C.H.C. White I, and all the members adored him for the stand he took. He was very quiet and unassuming, but truly loved by all who knew him. He was a faithful member of Westminster Fellowship during his youth.

He attended school in New Bern, N.C., graduating from West Street High School in 1947. He was an honor student. Stanley matriculated at Hampton Institute, now Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. He lettered in football and basketball for the West Street Warriors. In 1947 he received the honor of Salutatorian and graduated. Entering Hampton Institute on a football scholarship in 1947, he played until 1951 and graduated with a B.S. degree.

He joined the Army. On his return home he spent his whole life in the Department of Recreation in New Bern, N.C. He was the Athletic Director at Cedar Street Recreation Center. He was loved by the young as well as the golden-age group.

Stanley was excited and looking forward to the new recreation centers they were planning to build. A new recreation center was his dream.

The City of New Bern dedicated the new recreation center, Stanley White Center, in honor of his work, devotion and immense contribution to the young people during his time at the recreation center and throughout his entire life.

Stanley White Recreation Center at D.E. Henderson Park, located on Chapman Street between Main and Cedar Streets, New Bern, N.C., dedication was held Sunday, August 1, 1976. The newly remodeled Stanley White Recreation Center was re-dedicated Saturday, May 28, 2011.

While director at Cedar Street Recreation Center, he made a tremendous positive impact on the African-American community by helping and encouraging young people to participate in sports and other activities. He became a mentor to many young men and encouraged many of them to stay out of trouble.

Tragically, Stanley died while participating in a baseball game in 1971, when he was 42 years old. Although he is gone, his memory and message remain in the community to this day.

He was accepted and inducted into the New Bern/J.T. Barber High School Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, October 1, 2001.

He was one of the original members and managers of the New Bern Giants Semi-pro Baseball and Basketball teams. The community looked forward to those games. The fans came and supported them with their participation and attendance for the in and out of town games.

He is missed!

(Written by his Pamela White-Holloway, Stanley White's daughter)

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