Hero Down: Vidalia Police Department Lieutenant Huston ‘Smokey’ White Dies Unexpectedly

Vidalia, LA – Vidalia Police Department (VPD) Lieutenant Huston “Smokey” White died unexpectedly on May 29.

The 80-year-old police lieutenant passed away at his home, according to his obituary.

His exact cause of death was not immediately released.

Lt. White began his law enforcement career in 2008 at the age of 66, The Natchez Democrat reported.

He successfully completed the Alexandria Police Academy, making him one of the oldest rookie officers to ever graduate from the rigorous law enforcement training program, according to the paper.

Prior to his career with the VPD, Lt. White proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, according to his obituary.

He also worked for Entergy, an electric power company, for 36 years.

Lt. White joined the Ferriday Police Department after his retirement from Entergy, and later began working for the VPD.

“Smokey was a beloved person in Vidalia,” Vidalia Mayor Buz Craft told The Natchez Democrat. “He was such a sweet man and such a good man and was always kind and friendly. If you knew him, you loved him.”

“He’s a hero in my eye,” Craft added. “Our hearts are heavy. He was a great asset.”

VPD Captain Craig Godbold said Lt. White spent most of his law enforcement career working as a “street cop,” and that he was promoted to an investigator position about one year ago, The Natchez Democrat reported.

“You didn’t have to guess what his thoughts were because he would tell you what he was thinking and he didn’t sugarcoat it,” Capt. Godbold said. “He was honest in everything he did. He was a good policeman and he could work circles around any young officer. He passed the police academy at 66, and it was difficult. That includes PT and running every day.”

The captain said Lt. White was a good man and a good friend who would do anything for those he cared about, The Natchez Democrat reported.

“We’re going to miss him,” he said. “This one is going to hurt for a while.”

Lt. White leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Kathy, according to his obituary.

He is also survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter, as well as his brother, nephews, nieces, friends, and extended family members.

Lt. White was laid to rest on June 2.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Vidalia Police Department Lieutenant Huston “Smokey” White, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.