White, Alan Richard

Alan Richard White, of Radford, Va., devoted husband and father, passed away from cancer on August 25, 2021. He was 73.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Carol B. White; three children, David White of New York, N.Y., Jennifer White of Savannah, Ga., and Erin White of Greensboro, N.C.; a beautiful granddaughter; three siblings, Patricia Zimmerman of Buffalo, N.Y., Michele White of Clearwater, Fla., and Steven White of New York, N.Y.; their families; and extended family throughout the east coast.

Alan was born in Glen Ridge, N.J. in 1948 to Richard and Margaret White. He grew up in upstate New York, graduating as valedictorian from Horseheads H.S. in 1966. He maintained several close friendships from those years throughout the rest of his life.

Alan earned his B.S. Engineering from Princeton University in 1970, and upon graduation enlisted in the U.S. Army. When his service ended after a medical discharge, he embarked on a career in mechanical engineering that would last more than 40 years. He worked nearly two decades for Gardner Denver (formerly Hoffman Air & Filtration) in Syracuse, N.Y. and more than 10 years with Carrington Engineering in Charlotte, N.C., before founding Mark Ten Equipment in Wynne, Ark.

Upon retirement in 2015, Alan and Carol moved to the Virginia mountains, which they had come to love from their travels back north to visit family.

Alan was a dedicated lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church USA, where he served in a wide variety of roles for the congregations in which he worshiped, including: Elder, Deacon, stewardship committee, pastoral search committee, youth fellowship, basketball rec league, and sponsorship for international and local missions work. He also served with the Gideons for many years.

Alan was an avid hiker and runner and lover of the natural world. He was an Eagle Scout, and could always surprise you with his knowledge in many fields. He was known to travel far and wide to participate in whichever road races he took a particular liking to. Even in recent years when dog-walking was more his pace, he still enjoyed following scholastic and collegiate cross-country racing.

Alan strongly believed in America and took great pride in the communities in which he lived, contributing to each in numerous ways. Many people knew him as a fellow volunteer, fan, leader, coach, director, or perhaps just for his friendliness, sense of humor and positive attitude. On a daily basis he made this world a better place and he will be missed greatly.

A memorial service at the Presbyterian Church of Radford is planned for early November. Online condolences can be shared via Mullins Funeral Home. (www.mullinsfuneralhome.com)

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Radford-Fairlawn Daily Bread, which provides meals to those in need in the Radford area. (www.radfordfairlawndailybread.org)