Obituary: Duane "DL" White Jr., 22, of Shinnecock

Editor's Note: This obituary was prepared by the survivors of Duane "DL" White Jr., who died in a car accident in Southampton on Saturday.

For 22 years, God lent Duane Lee White Jr. to the world. He was born April 14, 1990, to the parentage of Sharon and Duane Lee White Sr.

Duane Jr. was an enrolled member of the of Southampton, New York. He was affectionately known by family and friends as DL who attended public schools in Southampton.

At the age of 9, DL began to work alongside his father in their
family-owned landscaping business. His parents believed that, as stated in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” DL was raised to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Talented and willing; he was quick to respond to the need of his generation. He was a member of both the Shinnecock Nation Warrior Society and the Young Men of Shinnecock, his demonstration of courage, strength, integrity and love shown by all that he came in contact with.

DL was an extraordinary person whose sense of style and fashion was apparent through his vast collection of hats and sneakers. As an avid fan of basketball, he was always ready for a game. Always interested in a good meal he would ask, “What’s to eat?” or “What you got cooking?” DL could brighten any dark day with one flash of his beautiful smile that reveals those deep dimples.

DL later met Kimberly Del Rio and a daughter was born, Amar’e Milan White, his pride and joy. He was on his way to a brighter and productive life — an amazing young man who was loved.

Duane Lee White Jr. departed his earthly life on Saturday, April 28, 2012 and entered his eternal home of peace and rest. He is survived by his parents Sharon White and Duane Lee Sr., his sister Tiana A. Gaines, brother in-law Michael Gaines, his two brothers Dominic and Devon White. He also leaves his maternal grandparent Corrine Kellis, paternal grandparents the Rev. Doc White and Ollie White. His daughter Amar’e Milan White and girlfriend Kimberley Del Rio, one niece Gabriella Gaines, one nephew Julien Putmon, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, friends and believers, also survive him.

Services for White will be held on Thursday at on County Road 39. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by reflections from noon to 1 p.m. and a funeral at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Michael Smith officiating. Interment will follow at the reservation cemetery.