Charles E. White

Charles Emmanuel White (Whyte) entered into eternal rest on Friday, July 22, 2016. Affectionately known by many as "Spech," Charles was born on June 26, 1928 to Melita McCleary Whyte and Adonijah Whyte. A native of St. Mary, Jamaica, he migrated to the U.S. in 1967 initially setting up residency in Brooklyn, NY then moving to Amityville, Long Island in 1972 and relocating to Guilderland in 1998.

An entrepreneur of sorts, he was an industrious and innovative family man willing to use his mind, hands and heart to supply basic necessities as well as provide services to his neighbors and friends in Jamaica while establishing a good living to provide for his family. As a businessman, he owned and operated a local grocery store, bar and taxi service. A man of versatility, he was also known as a local butcher and carpenter and at one point worked for the government building roads. After migrating to the U.S. from Jamaica, he worked for Georgia Pacific from which he retired in 1985.

Possessor of a green thumb, Mr. White annually turned his property into a gorgeous landscape of flowers, bushes and edible vegetables. When not in the yard, he didn't mind showing off his skills on the dance floor. Music definitely soothed his soul. Quiet as is kept, he also knew how to liven the party up for special occasions with his own version of "party punch."

Although Alzheimer's disease slowly deprived him of most of his memory, it didn't claim what he knew about love when he was with family and friends; it didn't steal the joy of the Lord as His strength.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by two sons; Glaspole and Ralston Whyte, his first wife; Olga Mills Whyte, four sisters; Muriel Brown, Florence Whyte, Lillian Cunningham, Ruby McDonald, and two brothers; Wesley and Austin Whyte.

He leaves to cherish many years of wonderful memories, a woman of great faith; his loving and devoted wife of 37 years, Doreen White; two dedicated daughters, Elaine Goliday (George); Merline M. Smith (Anel); two sons, Delroy Whyte and Wayne White; two step-daughters, Daphne Smith (Winston) and Angela Kirkpatrick (Anthony), three daughters-in-law, Doreen Whyte, Jasmine Whyte and Marie Whyte. Left also to mourn and celebrate the memory of their generous and fun-loving grandfather are 22 grandchildren and 10 great grand-children.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 from 10:00am-12:00pm at Macedonia Baptist Church, 26 Wilson Ave, Albany, NY 12205. A funeral service will start at 12:00pm. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
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