February 27, 1953 - September 19, 2026
Richard M. (Slippery) White, 73, of Athens, Pa. passed away on Saturday, Sept. 19 after a courageous battle with cancer. Ric was born on Feb. 27, 1953 to Joe and Sarah White. A proud Athens High School Bulldog, Ric would go on to work for the United States Postal Service for nearly three decades. While he enjoyed his job and the people he met along his mail route, Ric's life was truly about his family. Being "dad" and "coach" to his kids Ashley and Cody meant the world to him. He never missed one of their games -- from the moment they started Little League to their Senior Night for the Athens Wildcats -- or even grabbing his glove to make sure their slow pitch softball team had a pitcher. Ric was a proud member of the "Chain Gang" for the Athens football program. He also spent several years slinging drinks at Johnny's Tavern alongside his loyal friend and brother, David Walker. Slippery loved the Raiders. Whether they were in Oakland, Los Angeles or Las Vegas, he was a faithful Raider fan until the end. He also loved watching Penn State football, the Oakland Athletics and NASCAR, including his favorite drivers Richard Petty and Kevin Harvick. With his beloved Penny, Ashley and Cody by his side, Ric was able to travel far and wide: to scores of ball games, races and other family traditions like March Madness in Vegas (March Maddies) and 55 years of NASCAR at Watkins Glen. No matter what, when the Whites came back, every trip was made extra special by a story or a punchline provided by Slippery. On ordinary days, at Johnny’s, on the deck, or at the “Country Club,” Ric’s family and friends loved to be around his wit, his humor, his loyalty, his laugh, his one liners, and the way that he made everyone feel welcome. The love of his life and his true partner in crime was his wife Penny. Through good times and bad, it was always Penny and Slip together. Whether it was sitting in the stands cheering on their kids and thousands of other Athens Wildcats, or in their house entertaining family and friends at their annual Christmas Eve party, it was always Penny and Slip together. In the end, the world just wasn't right without Penny and Slip together. Now, they are together again. Ric is survived by his children, Ashley and her husband Scott Combs and Cody White and his partner Sara Benscoter, grandchildren Lou Victor Combs and Chandler Combs, sister Barbara (Bip) White, sister-in-law Susan Hadlock (Tom), and aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous lifelong friends. He was preceded to Heaven by his beloved wife of 46 years, Penny R. (Pipher) White, his parents, brothers Joe "Skeeter" White and Stan White, sister Joann White and sister-in-law Judy Hill. Ric's family would like to thank Slip's Angels and the army that cared for him at Robert Packer Hospital Oncology and Radiation, along with Guthrie Hospice. A time of visitation and celebration of life will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25 at the Lowery-Urban Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. at 225 South Main Street in Athens. Those attending the Celebration of Life should dress casual, perhaps with some black and silver or blue and white in honor of Slip's favorite teams. Burial will follow in Tioga Point Cemetery in Athens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the college fund for Slip's greatest joy in life, his grandson, Lou. Donations may be made to the Lou Combs College Fund at C&N Bank. For those wishing to sign the E-guestbook or send condolences may do so by visiting www.loweryfuneralhome.com.
