James Walker, former superintendent of Madison County Schools, said he had the honor of employing Thomas Bedford “Buddy” White in 1982.  Walker said he hired White because he believed White to be very sincere and “career-oriented.” “I’m real proud of what he has done (within the Jackson-Madison County School System),” Walker said. “He’s done a yeoman’s job under difficult circumstances at times.” 

White was honored for more than 30 years of service to Jackson-Madison County Schools during his retirement reception Thursday afternoon at the district’s Board of Education.  

White served as the superintendent of Jackson-Madison County Schools for two years. He said during his career with Madison County Schools and the Jackson-Madison County School System (after the consolidation in the early 1990s), he also has served as a junior high and high school teacher, assistant high school principal, transportation supervisor, elementary school principal, high school principal and director of operations to the district.  

White said his many roles within the school system have been rewarding.  

“These different jobs give you a broad perspective,” he said.  

White is a product of the school system, having graduated from North Side High School in 1972. He said he looks forward to spending time with his family, which includes his parents, his wife, three children and six grandchildren. 

White said he continues to look for opportunities to serve the community. He said he will serve on the Jackson STAR Center’s board of directors.  

White said he thinks community support for the school system will continue to improve under the leadership of incoming superintendent Dr. Verna Ruffin. 

“I think Dr. Ruffin is ready,” he said. “She’ll do a wonderful job.”  

Patsy Brockenbrough and Katie Brantley said they attended the reception Thursday to show their appreciation for White.

“He’s fair and supportive,” Brockenbrough said. “He served Jackson well, and we’re blessed to have had him.” 

“He’s a kind man,” Brantley said. “You can see it inside and out.”  

Shirley Jones, of the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, said White was featured in a October 1994 article in The Jackson Sun titled “Everybody’s Buddy.” 

Jones said she has known White for more than 30 years. She said she first worked with White through the Partners in Education program.

“It’s pretty remarkable to give that many years of your life to work with children and work towards making the community better,” Jones said. “He really is everybody’s buddy.”