Two members of popular families died recently. Mr. Gerald White, Sr., 64 years old, died on Monday.

A Tampa native, Mr. White was one of 7 children born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Moses (Lucille) White. He attended the public schools of Hillsborough County and graduated from Blake High School.

Mr. White continued his education at Florida A & M University, where he earned his degree. After graduating from college, with a degree in Physical Education, Mr. White returned to Tampa.

He and his son, Gerald, Jr., opened Moses White & Sons Bar-B-Que, in 1997 in Ybor City. He retired in 2004 after the business closed. Mr. White was the father of 3 children, Kevin White, Gerald White Jr., and LaTonya White.  Mr. White was married to Mrs. Bridgid White for 45 years and was the grandfather of several children.

Funeral services for Mr. White were incomplete as of press time.

ROBERT COLE JR

Mr. Robert L. Cole, Jr., the son of Tampa pioneer and businessman, Robert L. Cole, Sr. passed away Friday at his Ybor City home. He was 70 years old.

According to his wife, Leola Cole, Mr. Cole died of cardiac arrest. She said her husband attended Middleton High School and joined the Armed Forces after graduation. After his discharge, he became a Counselor. He later worked for Tampa Electric.

After his retirement from TECO, Mr. Cole helped his father operate several businesses at Tampa International Airport.

Mr. Cole is the father of five children (a daughter is deceased), and he has five siblings.

A service will be held for Mr. Cole this Saturday at 11 a.m., St. Luke A. M. E. Church. Aiken’s Funeral Home is assisting the family.