Milton "Burl" White

Milton Burl White, lovingly known as "Burl," passed away on December 22, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 74. Born on July 4, 1950, in Texarkana, Texas, Burl lived a life marked by hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others.

A proud graduate of Texas High School’s Class of 1968, where he served as captain of the football team, Burl began his career at Red River Arsenal assembling bombs. He later transitioned to Simmons Mattress Company in Dallas, Texas, where he rose from cutting wood for box springs to upper management. His career took him to Atlanta, Georgia, where he met and married the love of his life, Nancy Jane Peacock, on July 15, 1978. Together, they embarked on a journey that led them to Columbus, Ohio; Elizabeth, New Jersey; and Marietta, Georgia.

In 1984, Burl joined Gribetz International in Hollywood, Florida, where his innovative spirit flourished. Over the next fifteen years, he registered more than twenty patents related to mattress manufacturing equipment and played a pivotal role in building the internationally known Global Systems Group under Leggett & Platt Inc. After retiring to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida in 1999, Burl pursued a second career as a wholesale superwide format print manufacturer with the creation of Corr Digital Graphics Solutions and later DPF Solutions, a print and fulfillment service business.

Burl’s passions extended beyond work. An accomplished horseman, he was deeply involved in the National Reining Horse Association and its regional affiliates. Competing in Non-Pro classes, he earned multiple accolades, including a Top 10 finish at AQHA Congress and SERHA Futurity Champion. A scratch golfer at 74, Burl and Nancy won their club’s couples championship in 2024. He also enjoyed hunting and coaching his daughters in youth sports.

A man of deep faith, Burl was active with Mandarin Presbyterian Church’s Great Banquet Ministry and the Kairos Inside Prison Ministry. 

Preceded in death by his parents Marvin Eugene White, Nancy Jo Joiner and brother Marvin Lynn White, Burl is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Nancy; daughters Natalie Edmondson (Kevin), Ginger Black, and Molly White; and grandchildren Cain Creery, O'Neal Edmondson, Breccan Edmondson, Callum Edmondson, Cutter Black, and Corde Black.

A celebration of Burl’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Mandarin Presbyterian Church, 2501 Loretto Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32223. A procession to Oaklawn Cemetery will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mentors For The Kids Foundation, Inc. (www.mftkfoundation.com). May Burl’s legacy of kindness, encouragement and compassion continue to inspire all who knew him.