TEEN REMEMBERED — The letterman jacket of Bradyn “Brady” White and helmets he wore as a member of the Indian Creek High School football team and welding student at Jefferson County Vocational School were among many items belonging to the late teen that were displayed at a service Saturday afternoon celebrating his life. -- Warren Scott

WINTERSVILLE — Classmates, coaches, teammates and others remembered Bradyn “Brady” White for his cheerful nature and concern for others.

Many gathered in the Indian Creek High School auditorium Saturday afternoon for a service celebrating the life of the young student and athlete, who was 16 when he died on April 4 after being diagnosed with pneumonia and blood clots in his lungs.

Caleb Smith, who volunteered to lead the service, said while White’s life was short, he made a big impact in that time.

“The secret is not adding years to your life but adding life to your years,” said Smith.

The auditorium’s stage was filled with photos from Smith’s childhood and more recent high school years and belongings that reflected various aspects of his life.

They included helmets he wore as a member of the Indian Creek High School football team and a welding student at Jefferson County Vocational School, his letterman’s jacket and football jersey.

Friends and family attending the service noted White also enjoyed playing one of the ghouls at the Wells Township Haunted House and trap shooting at the Mingo and Jefferson County sportsman’s clubs.

Andrew Connor, Indian Creek’s head football coach, noted White played both offense and defense for the team.

He said the Redskins will be wearing White’s number, 57, on their helmets when they take to the field this fall.

“Bradyn had one of the kindest souls you will ever know,” said Connor.

He noted the young man’s ability to express his feelings for his family and friends, a trait not common among teens, who often are quiet out of concern for appearance.

The veteran coach told attendees, “There’s a lot of things you know you’re going to do as a head football coach, things you know you’re going to navigate, and this isn’t one of them.”

Connor said White’s death has been difficult for many to bear, but his teammates will know his spirit will be with them on the playing field.

“The strength for us is going to be knowing he is here for us,” he said.

Teammate Mason Lester said White “was a really good friend. No matter what Bradyn did, he did it with chivalry.”

Lester said if a bench was covered with rain, White would slide across it on his butt so it would be dry for others.

“He would give you the shirt off his back, just like they (other speakers) said. It’s a rough time, rough for everybody,” said Lester.

The mother of a fellow student recalled White quietly presenting a pencil or small trinket to her son, telling him he wanted him to have it, but it was the act of kindness that meant most to her son.

“The gift he gave my son is he made him feel seen,” she said.

Jayce Nett, another teammate, said he could tell “countless stories” of his friend making others laugh or cheering them up.

“He would always put the team first,” he said.

Other teammates and fellow students recalled that White never complained, even during difficult games or seasons, and could be seen regularly in school corridors, smiling and greeting others.

“He was a great kid. He played center for us in seventh grade. He’s definitely going to be missed,” said Denny Cowser, an Indian Creek Middle School coach who had worked with White.

Cowser was among many who stopped to offer condolences to White’s family.

White’s mother, Windy DaVia, gave to her son’s teammates and others a card bearing a photo of her son on one side and the school’s alma mater and the team’s fight song on the other side.

She noted he loved his family, including a young niece with whom he lived, and three dogs.

“He was a really good kid. Everybody loved him. It wasn’t just me,” said DaVia.

She expressed thanks to all involved with the service, including Kelly Knieszek, who set up the photos and other items.

Noah Flesher, a leader of the Indian Creek High School’s chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, said he didn’t know White personally but had heard many positive things about him.

“He definitely taught us a lesson, that we can come together and sometimes life is short and we should appreciate the time we have together,” said Flescher.

Keith Swearingen, the high school’s assistant principal, said, “There’s been a lot of community support for the family.”

He noted staff and students at several area schools wore white in his honor on April 10.

The Indian Creek Football Parents also have been raising funds to aid his family with medical and funeral expenses.

Emily Chisnell and others also are organizing a softball tournament to be held at 9 a.m. Aug. 23 at the Hopedale American Legion softball field.