THE community in Barry has come together to mourn “the life and soul of the party” Carl White (a.k.a. Sammy Black).
Carl White - also known as Sammy Black - was born into the large White family; he was brought up on Church Road in Cadoxton.
He was briefly part of the merchant navy, cooking on a ship while travelling the world, before buying a van and selling dresses from Cadoxton Moors.
Mr White was a well-known DJ in his hayday. This began with discos at Cadoxton Moors Conservative Club, with him also performing at The Ship Hotel, at Hotel International, at The Mount Rooms Hotel (formerly The Mount Sorrell), and even becoming resident DJ at Butlins on Barry Island.
An extract from Barry & District News in 1958 reads:
Dynamic Barry disc jockey Sammy Black is in the race for the UK's top turntable spot. Secret talent scouts were so impressed with Sammy's slick act that they voted him a slot in the South Wales and South West area final of the quest for Britain's smoothest-talking record spinner.
Mr White was also a key figure in the community - he was a freemason, and was heavily involved in organising Barry Carnival.
He ran his own building company JASC, which saw him build his own house and others in the town, and also owned CJ White Financial Planning and Barry Mortgage Centre.
Although later in life he stopped DJing, he often hosted quizzes in Barry pubs, including The Three Horseshoes.
Following his death on March 20, Mr White is succeeded by his son Andrew White, and his daughters Sophie Burrows and Vicky John.
His daughter, Mrs Burrows, said: “He was a boy from humble beginnings who wanted to be someone in a small town.
“He was the life and soul of the party – and loved any excuse to party. He was so bright and happy, and larger than life.
“He used to say he was famous in the town and couldn’t go out without being recognised; we didn’t believe him and would often get embarrassed.
“But since his passing we have been overwhelmed with how many lives he gave something to through his love for music and people."
Mrs Burrows added that the community had posted "so many lovely comments" when news of his death was shared on social media.
A celebration of the life of Mr White will be on Thursday, April 14.
There will be a service at 10.15am at Barry Crematorium, followed by a wake at Mount Rooms on Porthkerry Road.
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