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Our good friend and neighbor, Wilford Charles White, was called to his Heavenly Home on Sunday, July 16, 2006. Wilford White was born in Dill City, Oklahoma on December 12, 1929 to Bill and Vivian White. Wilford married the love of his life, best friend, and dance partner, Shellean Jean Coon in Cordell, Oklahoma on July 26, 1951. Wilford and Shelley had three adoring children and raised their family in Mountain Park, Oklahoma. They later moved to Oklahoma City in 1972.

Wilford was a respected and well known auctioneer. His lifework spread across six states, dozens of sale barns, thousands of customers, and millions of cattle. His long and storied career began at the tender age of ten when he sold his first item at auction. While standing on a street corner in Hobart, Oklahoma, he sold a rooster. From this humble beginning, he went on to become, arguably, the hardest working auctioneer in the business. For many years he sold a weekly circuit of livestock sales throughout Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arkansas. He was one of the first auctioneers for the Oklahoma National Stockyards, and became “Your Good Neighbor Wilford White," the voice of daily market reports broadcast on radio and television throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s. By 1989, he had sold over 23 million head of cattle in Oklahoma City. The Stockyards City Main Street Association honored him in 2002 with “Wilford White Day.” Wilford was a former President of the Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association. He was recognized by his peers as a state champion auctioneer, and was a mentor and teacher to many other auctioneers. Later Wilford and Shelley enjoyed many years of success with an antique store, a real estate company, and an estate and auction business. He performed numerous benefit auctions that raised money for the Red Andrews Dinner, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, the Murrah Building Memorial, and various other charities.

Wilford enjoyed life. He especially enjoyed his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Any sale would be stopped for a hug and kiss from any of them. Wilford’s love and dedication to his family was unmatched. Everything he did was for them. He loved his Daddy dolls and Paw Paw’s baby dolls! His family was his greatest joy. Memories are God’s gift that death cannot take away, and Heaven is a better place now that he is there.

Wilford was preceded in death by his parents. Paw Paw Wilford leaves cherished memories with his adoring wife, Shelley, to whom he was married for 55 glorious years, and their three children, Linda Kay Bolton, of Oklahoma City, Shella Rose and husband, Ron Stinley, of Lone Wolf, and Bud White of Mountain Park. Seven grandchildren, Dave and Jamie Bolton of Mustang, Steve Bolton of Houston, Bryan and Erika White of Brentwood, TN, Chris Stinley of Houston, Daniel and Lindsey White of Austin, Kaysie and Scott Keeney of Oklahoma City, Lyndi and Russ Renfroe of Knoxville, TN and nine great-grandchildren, Shelby, Kylie, Kale, Justin, Jackson, Nolan, Maci, Reece, and Natalie Rose. Brother, Elvin White and wife Melva of Tyler, TX, and sister Verna Lee Elliott of Canute, OK. Wilford also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends and loved ones. Paw Paw, as you always said, we sure had a nice time and are cryin’ for hugs! You were the best Paw Paw ever. We love you and miss you already.

The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to their church families and friends for all of their love, prayers, and support. Also, to all of the nurses and staff of Preferred Hospice and the numerous in-home health care providers. Your never ending compassion, concern, caring, and respect is deeply appreciated.

Services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at Springdale Baptist Church with interment at 3:00 p.m. in Mountain View Cemetery, Mountain View, Oklahoma.

Arrangements under the direction of Bill Merritt Funeral Service in Bethany, OK, 405.789.5622.