Laurent White

Laurent was born on December 30, 1962 in France to John Leonard White and Marie Montoudis White.  His father preceded him in death. 

He was a graduate of Fort Campbell High School with the Class of 1980. He attended Fayetteville Technical Institute. Laurent was a star basketball and football player in his early years, and he spent much of his later life cheering for others. He was so well-read that he did well in school, even though he enjoyed skipping many of the classes! He went to college for electrical engineering, but as his life took many turns, he tried other careers. At one point, he drove a tractor-trailer and occasionally had his mother as his sidekick when he made long-distance treks. 

Laurent had a quick temper and little patience, but his love for his family was deep and eternal. He spoke often about his daughter, was constantly checking on his mother and sisters, and continuously teased his nieces. Laurent was highly competitive in every game he played and did not cope well if he lost a game of Spades! He lit up a room when he walked in and could find a way to make people laugh even during the most awkward situations. He was born in France and couldn’t speak a bit of French, but he loved to imitate the accent. 

Laurent constantly had a spark in his eye that let you know he was thinking about you or thinking about something funny. He was always willing to listen when times were tough, provided a voice of reason when everything seemed to be falling apart, and was ready to battle when someone wronged those he loved. He always tried to strengthen others, even when he felt he had no strength to give, and he put on a brave face for others when he was suffering himself.  Laurent’s life reminds us all that love is the most important thing in the world. No matter how difficult times were, Laurent’s love was unwavering, and his sense of humor never waned. During this difficult time, he would want us all to remember that he is in a better place, still telling jokes and still protecting us from afar. 

On Wednesday, February  4, 2024, Laurent departed this life to be with the Lord.

He leaves to cherish precious memories his daughter, Kimberly Hines, Clarksville, TN; mother, Marie M. White, Washington, DC; two grandchildren: Roland and Josiah; sisters: Elizabeth M. Tooles, Somerset, NJ and Vanessa B. Harrington, Ellicott City, MD; aunt, Danielle Montoudis and a host of other relatives and friends.