Thomas Lincoln White, Sr. (Link), of Providence Forge, VA passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 2, 2019. Link lived a life surrounded by his most important principles; faith, family, and service. He knew no stranger and was a protector to all he loved. 
Born and raised in Lynchburg, VA, he graduated from E. C. Glass High School and went on to study at Lynchburg College. He served his community in a variety of ways throughout his life. He was employed with BWX Technologies for over 30 years in the Photo lab and Production Studio. In doing this, he was able to follow his passion of photography. After retirement he went on to become a member of the Bedford County Sheriff’s Department as part of the Smith Mountain Lake Patrol which allowed him to follow another passion, being on the lake that gave him many memories and peace. He also served as a Security Officer at Lynchburg College where he could serve the students and faculty while spreading his infectious smile to all. Link was a member of the Campbell County School Board and an elder in his church. 
Always ready to serve and protect others, he answered the call of duty to his country in 1968. He served in the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division in Vietnam where he was awarded a Bronze Star. Through this service he came to hold veterans, servicemen and women in high esteem. He enjoyed meeting other veterans and sharing stories. He was often seen at the VA smiling and chatting with fellow veterans, sharing a bond that only they could comprehend. 
Upon moving to New Kent County to be closer to his children and grandchildren, Link made fast friends in his new community. He became a member of Providence Forge Presbyterian Church where he helped with the Food Bank and other organizations. He was a member of the Ruritan Club and the Masons. He was the self appointed neighborhood watch and welcoming committee for his neighborhood, riding up and down the streets in his golf cart checking in on his neighbors, helping when could. He offered smiles, advice, and comfort to his community. 
Link is leaving an everlasting imprint on the hearts that he touched in his life. His larger than life presence will be missed by many. 
Link was preceding in death by his parents, John D. and Elizabeth Ralph White and his in-laws William G and Mary Eyler Smith all of Lynchburg. He is survived by his wife of 46 years Carole “Jo” White of Providence Forge, VA. Their love story was an example to all. He was a loving father to Johanna W. Davis (Brian) and Thomas L. “Chip” White, Jr. (Carrie). His three beautiful granddaughters, Elizabeth C. “Ellie” Davis, M. Ainsley White, and Kendall A. White all of New Kent County gave him great joy and pride. He and his loving brothers John D. White (Jane) and Richard A. White (Sandy) of Lynchburg always stood strong together. He was loved by his brothers and sisters in law as well, Patrick Smith (Kathy), Robert Smith (Faye), and Mark Smith (Sharon), Peggy Colville and Muriel Smith as well as Kenneth Smith and William Smith who have preceded him in death. Link’s lifelong best friend, Wiley Green (Carolyn) was just as much a brother to him as his own flesh and blood. The two were always laughing and creating mischief when together. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who loved and cherished him. 
The family would like to give a special thank you to the caring and compassionate ICU staff at Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Hospital who provided extraordinary care to Link and his family in his final days. 
Visitation will be held at Vincent’s Funeral Home in Providence Forge, VA on Thursday, July 11, 2019 from 6-8pm. A Memorial Service will be on Friday, July 12, 2019 at 11am also at Vincent’s in Providence Forge. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to The Wounded Warriors Foundation or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.