William 'Bill' Robert White of Harrisburg

William "Bill" Robert White, age 87, of Harrisburg, passed away at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 at Harrisburg Medical Center.

Bill was born on June 4, 1932 in Harrisburg to the late James S. and Gertrude (Tedford) White. He married Marion Faye Haldeman on May 5, 1962 and she survives in Harrisburg.

Bill was a member of the American Legion George Hart Post No. 167.

The secret to life is to have something to look forward to and for Bill White that was his love of nature, reflected in both his professional life as plant specialist at the family run business - White's Florist and Greenhouse - and in his personal life as an avid fly fisherman, finding peace along the many rivers, lakes and streams as he traveled the country every summer with Marion.

From hummingbirds to bees to his "greenhouse cats" and their many beloved pets, Bill passed on his love for all creatures, great and small, to his two daughters - Cheri and Leann - with their menagerie of dogs, cats, and guinea pigs.

Bill and Marion have asked for no services; instead the family plans to enlist both family and friends to take a few ashes to all the wonderful places they traveled and Bill's favorite fishing spots.

In lieu of flowers, please plant one in Bill's name this spring or make a donation to Hospice of Southern Illinois.

William R. White - a life well-traveled.

In addition to his wife, Marion, Bill is survived by two children, daughter Leann White of Harrisburg and daughter Cheri White of Harrisburg; a brother, James White of Indianapolis; and a sister, Maleta White Fox of St. Louis.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Kenneth White.

Condolence may be left for the family at reedfuneralchapel.com.