Lee Willis "Moot" White

Lee Willis White, known to many as “Moot,” passed away peacefully in the company of his loved ones on October 18, 2026, at his residence in Opelousas, Louisiana, at the age of 97.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lawtell, LA. Father Jude Thierry will celebrate the Mass. Rite of Committal and interment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery in Lawtell, LA.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A Rosary will be recited at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon by the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church Ladies’ Altar Society and Rosary Group. The funeral home will re-open for visitation on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 8:00 am until 12:30 p.m.

Mr. White lived a life marked by steady work, devotion to family, and deep ties to his community. He was a retired school bus driver who gave more than 20 years of service to St. Landry Parish Schools. In that role, he became part of the daily rhythm of countless families, carrying out his responsibilities with consistency and care.

Alongside his years of public service, he was also a longtime farmer who raised cattle. He was known as a hardworking family man who devoted himself to the work before him. His hands were rarely idle, and he also spent many years doing carpentry, remodeling projects, and home construction. Through this work, he built not only structures, but a life centered on providing, helping, and staying busy in meaningful ways.

He found great enjoyment in the outdoors and in the natural world. In his younger years, he enjoyed rabbit hunting, and throughout his life he loved caring for his animals. He also spent many hours tending his vegetable gardens, a pursuit that reflected both his patience and his connection to the land.

Faith was an important and lasting part of his life. Mr. White was a devout Catholic and a longtime parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church in Lawtell, Louisiana. He served as an usher and volunteered with church events for many years, offering his time and presence in quiet, faithful service to his parish community.

Lee Willis White will be remembered with respect and affection for his strong work ethic, his love of the outdoors, his dedication to his church, and the many ways he served both family and community throughout his long life. His memory will remain a blessing to those who knew him.

Lee is survived by his loving wife of 76 years, Rita Williams White of Opelousas; two sons, Patrick Lee White and wife, Brenda Ann LeBlanc White of Opelousas; and James Clifford White and wife, Christine Marie Landry White of Opelousas; daughter, Debra Anne White Duckworth and husband, William Drew Duckworth I of Opelousas; four grandchildren: Derek Anthony White, Melissa Renée White, William Drew Duckworth II, and Cody Michael Duckworth and wife, Rebecca Smith Duckworth; and one great-granddaughter, Remi Genevieve Duckworth; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester “Vest” White and Josephine Dargin White; grandson, Jude White; brother, Phillip White and wife, Evelyn; sisters, Edmonia White Guillory and husband, Vincent; and Lorena White Eaglin and husband, Howard.

Pallbearers will be Derek Anthony White, William Drew Duckworth II, Cody Michael Duckworth, Patrick Lee White, James Clifford White, and William Drew Duckworth I. Honorary Pallbearer will be Melissa Renée White.

The immediate family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Doctor Jamie Collins, M.D. of Collins Family Clinic, Doctor David Homan, M.D. of the Cardiovascular Institute of the South, the staff of Home Health Care 2000, the staff of Leading Home Care, the staff of Opelousas General Hospital, and the staff of Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care; as well as the incredible community of family, friends, and dedicated caregivers who have provided and continue to provide support, gentle care, and generous love.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570 (337-942-2638) has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.