A neighborhood butcher is like a trusted member of the family. You’ve always relied on his experience and advice, and he’s never steered you wrong.
That’s the way a lot of folks around here felt about Willard ‘Dell? White, who owned and operated the Country Chopping Block (Butcher Shop and Meat Market) from 1989 to 2003.
‘He was really well-liked in that community,? said son-in-law Joe Volny.
Sadly, Dell, a 35-year resident of Shelby Township, passed away on Sunday, September 23, 2007. He was 70.
Dell, a graduate of Avondale High School in Auburn Hills, got his start in the meat business in 1956 at the age of 17 when he went to work for Shinner’s Meat Market in Pontiac.
He took two years off to serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1958-60. He was stationed in Korea.
When Dell returned to the states, he went back to work at Shinner’s until 1965, when the market closed.
Dell then moved the family up to Cheboygan and worked as the meat supervisor for B&G Supermarket’s five stores until 1971 when he went to work for Chatham supermarkets.
He was employed as the meat manager at various Chatham stores until the chain went out of business in 1987.
When he heard the Country Chopping Block at 1090 S. Lapeer Rd. was for sale in 1989, Dell jumped at the opportunity to be his own boss.
He happily ran the local meat market for 14 years, earning a devoted following of customers who appreciated his devotion to quality at a fair price.
‘He loved it,? said Dell’s wife of 49 years, Eleanor. ‘He loved the people that came in there. They always had so much fun.?
Eleanor said her husband was always good to everyone.
When he wasn’t working 11 hours a day, Dell enjoyed spending time with his family.
‘His family was Number One,? Volny said.
Dell also enjoyed woodworking, fishing and hunting.
In addition to his wife, Dell is survived by his children David D. (Evelyn) White, of Atlanta, Michigan and Jacqueline G. (Joseph E.) Volny, of Shelby Township.
He’s also survived by brothers Wendel White, Ronald D. White and Richard Heart, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Visiting hours will be from 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27 at the Capital Banquet Center (12350 31 Mile Road) in Washington Township. A celebration of life service will be held at 6 p.m. Pastor William Lawrence will officiate.
Memorial contributions can be made in Dell’s name to the American Cancer Society.
Condolences for Dell’s family may be sent to www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.