Richton honoring memory of late Mayor
Official Richton Proclamation setting June 5 as Jimmy L. White Day in the town
From Staff Reports
__________
Officials in Richton are honoring the memory of longtime businessman and elected official Jimmy L. White.
The Richton Home and Garden Club will host a Memorial Dedication in honor of White this Saturday, June 5, at Richton Town Square, in conjunction with the club’s Arbor Day celebration. Town officials are joining in on the rememberance and have proclaimed Saturday as Jimmy L. White Day in Richton.
“The Richton Home and Garden Club celebrates Arbor Day, and we chose to honor Jimmy White this year as he was the one responsible for us having the Town Square,” Richton Home and Garden Club member Elaine Moser said. “He (White) was mayor during the (town’s) centennial,” Moser said. “We chose to honor Jimmy because he was such a vital part of our town. He served for over 30 years.”
White owned and operated White’s Drugs in Richton for over 40 years. He also served his community in local government, with 20 years (1977-1997) as a town alderman and as mayor for another 12 years (1997-2009). Those who knew him best said he served his fellow citizens unselfishly, giving of his time and efforts to the betterment of the town up until his death in February 2020 at the age of 77.
On top of being involved heavily in local civic matters, White was also an active member of Richton United Methodist Church where he held numerous leadership positions. He also served many years as treasurer of the Richton Masonic Lodge and was a Hamasa Shriner. White also served a stint as a member and one-time president of the Mississippi State Board of Pharmacy.
Moser said Garden Club members have planned a program for the dedication, and a tree has been planted in White’s honor and memory. A memorial stone has been placed at the site as well. Moser said the program will include White’s grandchildren leading the “Pledge of Allegiance” and the invocation. The group will share a history of Arbor Day, and there will be a time of sharing memories of White.
In announcing Saturday as Jimmy L. White Day, town officials solidified the former mayor’s legacy at town hall.
“In appreciation of outstanding contributions and accomplishments made in serving the Town of Richton and community faithfully and with merit, let it be known that Saturday, June 5, 2021 shall be observed as Jimmy L. White Day, in honor and memory of Jimmy L. White,” current Mayor Michael Bo Ruffin wrote in the town’s official proclamation.
