White, John Haynes

John Haynes White, 91, died on April 14, 2011, at his home in Pulaski, a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a caring friend to so many. He was born in Pulaski, on August 28, 1919, to the late Bessie Lee Gibson and William Fisher White. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Gloria Elene Duke White; and his grandson, Edward White King. He is survived by his son, Robert Fisher White; his daughter, Ann Gibson White King and husband, Donald Edward King; and his grandchildren, Benjamin Haynes King and wife, Alena, Claire Gibson King Mercado and husband, Alex, and Julia Taylor King. He is also survived by his older sister, Nancy Fisher White Aden. John was born in the original Pulaski Hospital on East Main Street. He attended Pulaski schools and the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, stopping his education to join the army in 1941. He was on the coast of Normandy on D+3, he fought through the hedge rows in France, was in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium and he was on the front in Germany. He attained the rank of First Sergeant and received numerous decorations and citations. John returned from the war in 1945, to work at Virginia Oak Flooring Company with his father, William (Bob) White. He was a successful business man and became owner and president of the company. After closing the business in 1973, John managed a variety of properties. He was actively involved at Christ Episcopal Church for almost 65 years, serving as treasurer for over 20 years. He was recently recognized for outstanding community service to the Pulaski County Board of Social Services for 34 years. He served as exalted ruler of the Elks Club. John enjoyed volunteering at “The Daily Bread” and helped to serve many meals. John and his father supervised and assisted in the construction of a log cabin on Claytor Lake in 1947. He loved spending time there and on his Chris Craft boat. He met Gloria, the love of his life, at the Lighthouse on Claytor Lake. They shared 60 wonderful years of marriage from 1947 to her death in 2008. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 18, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 144 North Washington Avenue, Pulaski, VA, with the Reverend Vickie Houk officiating, followed by a reception in the parish hall. A private burial will take place before the service. Visitation will be on Sunday, April 17, 2011, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, 815 Randolph Avenue, Pulaski, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Edward White King Memorial Fund at Home Again, Emergency Shelter, PO Box 5222, Richmond, VA 23220.