ELLICOTT CITY, MD: It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Earl Donald White, 93, formerly of Hickory, NC, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at Gilchrist Hospice Care of Columbia following a brief illness. Born November 4, 1930 in Cleveland County, NC, he was the son of the late Albert Moten White and Grace B Alice Short White.
Earl was a former member and deacon of Sweetwater Baptist Church and was retired from General Electric Company. After his retirement, Earl discovered a new passion as a beekeeper. His exceptional honey, a labor of love, earned him the blue ribbon at the County Fair. Earl also served his country with honor during the Korean War.
In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Norma Carter White; brothers, Clyde White, Paul White, James White, Hugh White and Wayne White; sisters Aileen White Towery and Nadine White Martin Sanders; and a granddaughter, Amber Nicole Macnak.
Survivors include his son, Kenneth Self and wife Carol of Casar, NC; daughters Donna Macnak and husband Joe, of Dallas, TX and Dianne Jensen of Ellicott City, MD , with whom he lived; grandchildren, Stephen Self (Kristen), Spencer Self, Suzanne McMurry (Fitz), Lauren Macnak Compton (Joel), Taylor Jensen and Alexandra Marasa; step-grandchildren Elizabeth Anderson (Gregg), Eric Macnak (Emily), and Natalie Dixon (Marcus); 4 great-grandchildren; 6 step-great grandchildren; and 1 step great-great grandchild . Earl also leaves behind a legacy of love and memories cherished by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The Celebration of Life with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 20, 2024, in the Chapel of Drum Funeral Home, 940 29th Avenue, NE, Hickory, NC 28601, with nephew, the Rev. Richard Carter officiating. Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum of Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Hickory. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., prior to the service.
May Earl rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the sweet memories of a life well-lived and the enduring love of those who will forever hold him in their hearts.
Condolences may be sent to the White family at www.drumfh-hickory.com.
Drum Funeral Home in Hickory is honored to be serving the White family.
