John Charles White

John Charles White passed away peacefully at home with his family at the age of 97 on April 25, 2026, in Alabaster, AL. He was born on November 15, 1928, to Morris Hale White and Dorothy Nellie Fisher in Delavan, IL where he was raised. After graduation he signed up and proudly served in the Navy from 1948 – 1952 on the USS Norris Destroyer. After his discharge from the Navy, he moved to Birmingham, AL where he met the love of his life, Tommie Lou Ray of Jemison, AL., and spent the next 69 years loving and cherishing her.

John was a hard worker and spent decades working for Zep Manufacturing Company, from which he eventually retired. He had a kind and gentle spirit filled with jokes and laughter and never met a stranger. His faith and love for Christ led him to teach Sunday School classes of all age groups for 62 years. He was a longtime member of 11th Ave United Methodist Church, now known as “Church at Ross Bridge”. He took great pride in, and had a passion for helping people in need, which showed through his service on the Board of Jimmy Hale Mission and the Kairos Prison Ministry. He was a loyal friend, loving brother, husband, and father.

He is preceded in death by his parents Morris and Dorothy, Brother Kenneth Kohlbacher, sister Betty Kohlbacher Bemus, and daughter Karen Camille White. His brothers and sisters-in-law Morris and Frances Ray, Leo and Louise Lowery and nephews Zachary Ray, Jeffery Ray, and Heath Lowery.

He is survived by his Loving wife Tommie White, son, John Bradley White, daughter, Holly White Bearden (Gregory), nephews, Vince Ray (Judy), Steven Lowery (Laura), Jamie Ray (Christy), Keith Lowery (Carrie), Niece Brandy Fitzhugh (Jason), and many other great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors on Thursday, the 30th of April at 1:00pm at Elmwood Chapel and Cemetery, located at 800 Dennison Ave. SW, Birmingham, AL 35211 with the Service immediately following at 2:00 pm. The service will be officiated by: Pastors Nathan Carden and John Mount of Church at Ross Bridge.