Ronald D. “Ron” White aka “Pappy”, age 77, went to be with Jesus peacefully early Tuesday (April 2, 2019) at Indian Path Medical Center after a four month battle with injuries sustained from a car accident.
“Pappy” was such a sweet man, so loving and caring about others, laid back, and mostly cool under pressure with a great sense of humor. He was a friendly man to all and made friends for life.
He was born on September 9, 1941 to Cecil V. & Lottie “Jane” White in Kingsport, TN. “Pappy” was a worker, starting as a young boy with a paper route and bike repair. He found his calling in life as a public servant and was an EMT with Sullivan County for several years and retired as a Deputy from Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department after many happy years, at age 75.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two younger siblings, Jerry and Donna.
He is survived by his best friend and love of his life, Sharon, his wife of 58 happy and blessed years; two children, son Steve White & wife Missy of Nashville and Tammi Phipps and boyfriend Jerry Kimberling; six grandchildren, Chris White & wife Blair of Knoxville, Erika Ford & husband Matthew, Chelsie Verbal & husband Wes, Cassie Phipps, Petty Officer 2nd Class Maggie White active United States Navy, Jacksonville, FL, and Brice Phipps (who has cared and granny-sat for four months); six great-grandchildren, Caden White, Korbyn Ford, Zebulon Verbal, Estee Verbal, Jedidiah Verbal, and Ezra Verbal; brother, Charlie White & wife Pattie; sister-in-law, Arlene Bishop & husband Jim “Tuff”; TN cousins and cousins in VA, WA,TX, and LA Cajun cousins; and a host of friends.
Ron was a faithful member of Holy Mountain Baptist Church and loved his church family.
The family will receive friends on Saturday (April 6, 2019) from 11 am to 1:30 p.m. at Holy Mountain Baptist Church (3121 Ashley Street Kingsport, TN 37664). A Celebration of Life Service will follow at the church at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Tim Price officiating.
Committal services will be held at East Lawn Memorial Park in the Garden of Prayer on Saturday (April 6, 2019) at 3 p.m. serving as pallbearers will be Chris White, Wes Verbal, Matthew Ford, Brice Phipps, Jerry Kimberling, and Gary Mays. Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie White, Steve White, James White, Mike Malone, Tip DeFreece, Tim Casey, Jim Bishop, and fellow officers of Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department.
Gone from our sights, but never from our hearts……see you soon “Pappy”
Online condolences may be made to the White family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the White family.
