White, Claude Melvin "Pa"

Services for Claude Melvin "Pa" White, 83, of Longview, 
will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 24, 2007, at the East 
Mountain Baptist Church, with Brother Ray Tenpenny and 
Brother Leon Veazey officiating. Services are under the 
direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Mr. White 
went to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, January 21, 
2007, at his home. Claude was born August 25, 1923, in 
Petrolia, Texas, to E.S. and Effie White. He had been in 
the East Texas area since 1931. He was married to Peggy 
Jean Goodson on January 1, 1942, in Upshur County. Pa. 
Many knew him, Claude surrendered to the ministry at a 
young age and served the Lord whole- heartedly for more 
than 50 years, having touched countless lives. He was 
the pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in his early 
years. He also served the Lord as the pastor of Crews 
Baptist Church in Gladewater, Liberty Baptist Church in 
Hawkins for 19 years, and Trees Baptist Church in 
Louisiana. He gladly accepted a promotion to teach the 
two-year-old class at East Mountain Baptist Church after 
many years of ministerial service. He also enjoyed 
fishing and spending time with his family and friends.He 
was preceded in death by his daughter, Pamela Sue Davidson, 
who passed away in 1984. Survivors include his loving wife 
of 65 years, Peggy White of Longview; daughter and 
son-in-law, Jerri and Mike Purifoy of Longview; 
grandchildren: Mark and Deanne Purifoy, Amanda and Steve 
Williamson, all of Longview; and Jeremy and Beth Davidson 
of Millington, Md.; great-grandchildren, Jon Mark Purifoy, 
Michael and Renae Purifoy, Tommy Williamson, Chad 
Williamson, and Chrissy and Matt Appleton; and 
great-great-grandchildren, Caleb Purifoy, Kiaya Appleton, 
and Gracie Purifoy.The family will receive friends from 
6-8 p.m. this evening, January 23, 2007, at the funeral 
home. A memorial guestbook may be signed online at 
www.raderfh.com.

Published in the Longview News-Journal on 1/23/2007.