A house RESOLUTION

 

to recognize and honor Reverend Walter Banks White, a faithful teacher and pastor, for his years of service to his Rock Hill community, his family, and his Lord.

 

Whereas, Reverend Walter Banks White was born in Rock Hill on October 17, 1930, to the late Doshia Mae Miller White and Elliott Bernard White. Reared in the Boyd Hill community, he graduated from Emmett Scott High School in 1947, where he served as art editor of the school newspaper; and

 

Whereas, after high school, young Walter worked various jobs in Rock Hill and Charlotte, including positions at Gold-Text Mill and the Charlotte Naval Ammunition Depot, and pursued his artistic interests by studying at the Philadelphia Museum School of Art in Pennsylvania; and

 

Whereas, feeling called to ministry, he was encouraged by his supportive wife to pursue formal education. He graduated magna cum laude from Friendship Junior College in 1957 and earned a bachelor's degree from Benedict College in 1959. He completed theological studies at J. J. Starks School of Religion and earned a master's degree in education from South Carolina State University in 1961. He completed additional graduate coursework at Winthrop University; and

 

Whereas, Reverend White began a distinguished career in education as an elementary teacher and assistant principal at George Fish School in Fort Mill. He taught at York Road Junior High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, which later became Robert F. Kennedy Jr. High School. He taught at Sunset Park Elementary and Rock Hill High School. While teaching at Rock Hill High, he co-authored We the People, a government textbook used district wide for seventh grade students; and

 

Whereas, he served as principal of Sunset Park Elementary School for thirteen years. Under his leadership, standardized test scores increased, attendance improved, parental involvement grew, and campus safety was strengthened. He established a student council, initiated an honor society, and supported an elementary band program, and he served as director of the Adult Education Program for three years. Reverend White was appointed principal of Oakdale Elementary School, where he continued his legacy of excellence before retiring from education to enter full-time ministry; and

 

Whereas, even while serving in education, Reverend White faithfully pastored churches throughout York and Chester counties. His pastoral journey included four years at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Gaffney, four years at James Chapel Baptist Church in Fort Mill, ten years at Gethsemane Baptist Church in Chester, twenty years at Flint Hill Baptist Church in Rock Hill, two years as interim at Mount Prospect Baptist Church, and six years at Great Joy Baptist Church in McConnells; and

 

Whereas, dedicated to his community, he served on numerous committees for the Rock Hill School District, the York County Planning Commission, and the City of Rock Hill Planning Commission. He served as secretary of the Rock Hill YMCA Board of Directors, where his family became the first Black family to join, and he served as president of the Baptist Convention of York and Chester Counties, president of the Sandy River Baptist Association Sunday School Congress, and a board member of the Catawba Regional Council of Governments; and

 

Whereas, Reverend White and his beloved wife, Helen Ruth Caldwell White, were married for fifty-seven years until her passing in 2011, and together they reared two fine daughters, Waltrina Morrietta White Barnett and Banita Doshia White Brown. His children have blessed him with the affection of seven loving grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciates the lifelong legacy of Walter White and the example of faith, integrity, and leadership he has set for all who know him. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Reverend Walter Banks White, a faithful teacher and pastor, for his years of service to his Rock Hill community, his family, and his Lord.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Walter Banks White.

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