Gary Elliott White

Gary Elliott White was born on September 11, 1955, in Washington, D.C., to Earle and Guinevere White. A lifelong Washingtonian, Gary spent many happy years at his family home on Taylor Street. Gary passed away on September 13, 2026, at the age of 71, remembered as a devoted husband, loving brother, ever-supportive father, and great friend.

Gary graduated from Archbishop Carroll High School with the Class of 1974. Inspired by his experiences as a youth cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, he attended the Air Force Academy Preparatory School. In 1975, Gary left the Air Force Academy Preparatory School and began his studies at the University of Maryland, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, followed by a Master of Business Administration in 1990.

Gary’s professional journey spanned over two decades as a Management Consultant, beginning with Ford Aerospace and later at Booz Allen Hamilton. In 1986, during a Booz Allen Hamilton “Print Shop” holiday party, he met the love of his life, Gretchen Athias, in a serendipitous moment that changed his life.

Gary and Gretchen married on June 10, 1989, and later welcomed two children, Chelsea and Ian. Becoming a father was one of Gary’s greatest joys, and he never hesitated to share how deeply he loved his family.

Following his consulting career, Gary transitioned into telecommunications at Sprint, where he excelled in corporate sales and played an integral role in the Sprint/Nextel merger. His outstanding work earned him multiple President's Club Awards. After Sprint, Gary pursued new interests and founded Merit Technology Group, LLC, further expanding his impact in consulting.

In 2006, Gary suffered a debilitating stroke, a challenge that profoundly changed his life but never dimmed his resilient faith, optimism, or generous humor. Over the next two decades, he found great joy in watching Chelsea and Ian grow into loving, accomplished adults. Gary and his family were uplifted by the tireless support of his exceptional caregivers—Roy Gayle, Beverly McNeill, and Patricia Crusoe—whom he welcomed as family. Ever the channel surfer and movie lover, Gary remained a source of love and encouragement to all who knew him. In so many ways, he will be sorely missed, but so warmly remembered. As Gary would say “God is Good.”

Gary is survived by his beloved wife of thirty-seven years, Gretchen Athias; daughter Chelsea White (34); son Ian White (31); brother Dr. Jeffrey White (Pearl); cousin Richard Holland (Dr. Phyllis Gee); and nephews Wendell White and Jared White. Gary is also survived by many relatives and friends.

The family will host a service at DeVol Funeral Home, 2222 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20007, on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 1:00 P.M., and receive friends and family immediately following until 4:00 P.M.