John White

John Walter White
John Walter White, 65, of Belle Meade, Nashville, Tennessee, passed away February 15, 2007, at Centennial Hospital of a hemorrhagic cranial stroke, which occurred January 24. John is predeceased by his parents, Howard Ray White, Sr. Ray White and Martha Frances Bell White Martha Dillon. He is survived by his brother Howard Ray White, Jr. and wife Judith Willis White of Charlotte, North Carolina, two nephews, Keith Jordan White of Richmond, Virginia and David Howard White also of Charlotte, grand niece Alexandria White and grand nephew Stephen White. For a brief time John was married to Shirley Fox Turner of Atlanta, Georgia, who passed away in 2001. There were no children.
John's father, Ray White, was Executive Director of the Nashville Boys' Club, serving in that capacity from 1944 to 1977. Ray White died in 1979. John and his brother Howard always held fond memories of summer weeks at Boys' Club Camp at Montgomery Bell State Park. John's mother Martha White taught home economics at Hillsboro High School from 1948 to 1975. She married James Harlan Dillon in 1984. Mr. Dillon died in 1993.
John graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1959. He especially loved his high school years, including being Drum Major for the band. He then attended Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, took time off after one year to serve in the Peace Corps Philippines and then returned to complete his bachelor's degree in chemistry. He then attended Emory University, receiving a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching. John taught high school chemistry in the Atlanta School System North Fulton High School, completing 20 years of service before retiring in 1988. Four times he was voted "Teacher of the Year."
In 1975 John met portrait artist Shirley Fox Turner, also of Atlanta. Together, they operated a frame shop on Piedmont Avenue, John helping when not teaching school. These were among John's happiest years. The couple married, but difficulties surfaced and a divorce followed.
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After completing his teaching career, John relocated to suburban Washington, D. C. and opened an antique store, which he operated for seven years. During that time he began working as a sales executive for OTC, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio, a wholesaler of imported fashion jewelry. Since his employment with OTC, Inc. primarily involved helping operate trade shows around the nation, he never relocated to Columbus. After his mother's second husband James Dillon passed away, John left suburban Washington to return home and live with her. After his mother's death in 2005, John remained in the family home.
An ardent hobbyist, John enjoyed performing at magic shows and collecting postage stamps. He also enjoyed studying antiques and art and giving expert advice on these subjects.
He will be missed by family and friends. Memorial service 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 19, 2007, at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home, 9090 Hwy 100, Nashville, TN 615-646-9292. Visitation will be one hour prior to time of service on Monday.In lieu of flowers please send contributions to Boys & Girls Club of Middle TN, 67 Thompson Ln. Nashville, TN 37211.