Ralph William White Jr.

Ralph William White Jr., a respected Turf & Landscape Specialist, passed away on December 7, 2025, at the age of 95. A 4th-generation Floridian, Ralph was born on March 10, 1930, and spent his formative years in Manatee County, Florida.

Ralph's career in turfgrass began with his education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from the University of Florida and a Master of Science in Turfgrass Management in 1957. He served as the Turf & Landscape Specialist at the University of Florida, sharing his expertise and love for the industry with countless students and professionals. He was also the General Manager at Ousley Sod Company, the V.P. at Southern Turf Nurseries in Tifton, Georgia, and an independent turfgrass consultant.

His dedication to the field was evident through his leadership roles, notably as President of the Florida Turfgrass Association from 1961 to 1963 and the American Sod Producers Association from 1982 to 1983. Ralph represented Florida on an international scale, participating in the International Turf Research Conferences held in Munich, Germany, in 1977 and Ontario, Canada, in 1981.

Ralph was also an accomplished author, co-authoring the text “Diagnosing Turfgrass Problems", as well as presenting numerous professional papers at conferences across the globe. His remarkable contributions to the turf industry were recognized when he was honored with the State of Florida Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015, along with the Gold Wreath of Grass Award, the highest accolade from the Florida Turfgrass Association, for his unwavering dedication.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Ralph was actively involved in his church community, serving on the church council, and he was a member of the Kiwanis Club. His love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for snook fishing in the Everglades, a favorite hobby that brought him joy and relaxation.

Ralph is survived by his loving family, including his daughters, Vicki of Seneca, SC, and Carol of Palm Coast, FL; his son, William "Bill" of Winston Salem, NC; grandsons Michael Harris, Joshua Harris, and Mark White; granddaughters Emily Riffe, Kelly Brasol, Erin Walker, and Lydia Lammons; and cousin Nancy Sue Criswell, nieces Debbie Ward and Melissa Forney.

He is predeceased by his loving wife, Patricia Strait White, to whom he was married for 73 years; his parents, Ralph Sr. and Ruby White; and his siblings, Jacqueline Forrest and Leod Edward White.

Ralph William White Jr.'s legacy of service, familial love, and dedication to the turf industry will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.