Services for Robert Leighton Elliott White II will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, August 23, 2025 in the First Baptist Church, Abernathy, TX. Burial will follow in the Abernathy Cemetery under the direction of Abell Funeral Home of Abernathy, TX. The family will gather from 5:30 pm until 6:30 pm, Friday, August 22, 2025 at Abell Funeral Home.
Affectionately known as Rob, "Robby", Robert Leighton Elliott White II, 49, of Dallas, Texas, was born on July 9, 1976. Known for his warm personality, quick wit, and love of conversation. He was a gentle giant, towering in stature, yet even greater in kindness, generosity, and spirit.
From a young age, Rob's boundless work ethic and determination found their perfect outlet on the basketball court. As a standout student-athlete at Lancaster High School, his talent earned him a place on the team at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma, where he graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. His skills on the court took him overseas to play professionally in Australia, China, Croatia, and Spain. He was later drafted by the Houston Rockets of the NBA and signed a contract with the Rim Rockers.
As his playing days evolved, Rob's love for basketball transformed into a passion for coaching. He poured his heart into developing young athletes, not only as players, but as people of character, by coaching several AAU leagues and serving at Stanley Lake High School, Ponderosa High School, and DSST Green Valley Ranch High School in Colorado, as well as in Alaska. As a firm believer in the power of education, Rob broadened his knowledge and deepened his understanding of the world through reading. He channeled his knowledge into a 19-year career at Oxi-Fresh, where he held multiple roles and consistently strived for excellence. His strong work ethic and pride in his responsibilities were unmatched, fueled by genuine enjoyment of his work and a commitment to the company's success.
Beyond his accomplishments on the court and in his career, Rob's greatest joy came from his family and faith. More than any career or sport, Rob treasured his role as a Husband, Father, and G-Pa. He married the love of his life, Erica, on June 9, 2012, and together they built a family filled with love, laughter, and faith. Rob was the proud and devoted Father of four daughters and the deeply adored G-Pa of three. He was a constant source of encouragement, guidance, and unconditional love. He was always present, always supportive, always proud. But above all, Rob loved the Lord and lived as a faithful servant. Ministry was his life's mission, and he touched countless hearts through his genuine compassion, powerful conversations, and unwavering passion for his faith. His legacy is one of faith, family, and unconditional love, that will continue to inspire and live on in the many lives he touched.
Rob's life was marked by his unwavering faith, devotion to family, and a passion for inspiring others. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert L. White of Atlanta, Georgia; his grandparents, Frank and Nettie White of New Jersey, Charles M. White of Jackson, Michigan, and father-in-law Alex Garcia of Abernathy, Texas.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Erica White; his daughters, Hannah White, Hayven White, Leighton White, and Logyn White; and his grandchildren, Ja'Ven, Hazel Mae, and Madden, his mother, Charla B. White of Dallas, Texas; grandmother, Lillian White of Jackson, Michigan; bonus mother, Belinda English-White of Fort Worth, Texas, mother-in-law Rosalinda Garcia of Abernathy, Texas; sisters, Ellori White of Atlanta, Georgia, Kineta English-White of North Richland Hills, Texas, brother-in-law Alex Garcia(Jennifer) of Brownwood, Texas and sister-in-law Ashley Garcia of Abernathy, Texas.
He leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.