John Walter White

Walter was born on May 22, 1934 in Royston, Ga. His parents, Fred and Lucille White, preceded him in death. He graduated from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business with a degree in Business Administration. Walter was a three-year Football letterman at the University of Georgia (1953-1956). He played for the legendary Coach Wally Butts. After graduating from UGA, he served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Captain.

Walter joined The Coca-Cola Company in 1957 and enjoyed a successful career in the beverage world. He left Coca-Cola to purchase and manage the Pepsi Cola bottling plant in Dothan, Alabama. After many achievements with the Pepsi plant, he accepted a prestigious executive position with The Coca-Cola Company. He had an illustrious career with The Coca-Cola Company domestically before spending 15 years working internationally. He was named Managing Director of The Coca-Cola Company for Turkey, Poland, Austria, Russia and the Baltics. He retired at 72 to Athens, Georgia.

A lifelong Georgia bulldog, a world traveler, and an avid Connoisseur of the finer things in life, Walter was a recipient of the North East Georgia Chapter of the National Football Hall of Fame Post Graduate Achievement Award, a 32nd Degree Mason, on the board of the UGA Lettermen’s Association, and he was truly larger than life.

Walter is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Charlotte and his children, Jeff (Nancy), John Walter Jr., Tracy, Susan, Chad (Susan), Jason (Allison), Gabe (Gina), and Jade; his grandchildren, Lori, John, Amy, Danielle, Travis, Allison, Taylor, Reagan, Payton, Molly, Ryan, Grace, Sullivan, and five great grandchildren.

His funeral will take place on Saturday, July 25, at one o’clock in the afternoon. The services will be held at the First United Methodist Church on 327 N Lumpkin Street in Athens. All are welcome to attend. A private family burial will follow in Royston, GA. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday evening in the family’s home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in Mr. White’s name to the First United Methodist Church in Athens.

“Just think about doing the best you can everyday and the good things happen. I feel like if I were to die today, I have accomplished a lot more than I thought I would have. I can’t think of anything I want, it has been a good ride.” - Walter White, 1992

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.