Faith in Action: Retired Florala Pastor Lives To Uplift Others

Johnnie White, a retired pastor in Florala, wants to make everyone he meets feel better.

“I want them to have a good day,” White says. “I want them to know that they have met somebody that’s happy and loves the Lord and family life and just wants their day to be a little bit better.”

White’s dedication to others is rooted in his faith and community service. As a 1965 Florala High School graduate, he and his classmates provide $1,000 scholarships to at least 2 graduating seniors every year.

White believes strongly in education, a value he instilled in his children and grandchildren who’ve pursued higher education at institutions like Troy University and Auburn University.

His journey combines dual careers in the military and ministry. He served 22 years in the Navy, retiring as a chief petty officer and specializing in drug and alcohol abuse counseling. During this service, he pioneered 2 churches. 1 of those churches started in an old barracks building in Pensacola. A decade later, he returned to a congregation of 150 people at that church that was still growing.

After retiring from the military, he returned to preach at Liberty Hill Assembly of God Church, where he served for nearly 29 years before retiring in January 2024. This church, his childhood congregation, is where he helped develop a puppet house for youth biblical lessons. He takes pride in his church for its caring membership and welcoming nature.

Throughout his ministry, White offered practical support for those in need. He has helped build houses and carports for widows and provided groceries and other necessities for those in need.

“A lot of what I have done is being lucky as a pastor, knowing somebody needs groceries, knowing somebody that needs help,” White says. His approach was hands-on, often rallying church members to join him in these acts of kindness.

White’s exemplary life earned him the Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass award, a partnership between WVTY and Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Foundation, which spotlights unsung heroes.

“Mr. White has been a true spiritual leader, not only in his church but in his daily life,” says Stevie Sauls, Wuregrass (WEC)’s vice president of member services and communications. “He’s affected positive change in his community by giving of himself and leaving a legacy that others may follow. We’re proud to honor Mr. White as a Silent Hero in our community.”

Reflecting on his life, White expresses gratitude for the opportunities to serve others. “It’s just been a great blessing to impart to somebody something that will help them to just look and see the sunshine instead of all the clouds,” he says.