Kenneth Ervin White, age 88, admired and beloved husband, father, and grandfather died peacefully in his sleep due to a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by his loving family on October 26th, 2019 in Winter Garden, Florida.
Mr. White is preceded in death by his parents Clifton and Jettie White; his brothers, Harvey, Harmon, and Harold White; his sisters, Mary Anne White and Betty Mesing; and his great-grandson Jack Baumgartner IV.
Ken is survived by his wife of 33 years, Beverly Jean Bickers White. He was an exceptional father and is survived by a large and loving family - his daughter Karen White, son Randy White, Kim and Jim Nichols, Amber Brown and husband Robert Klineyoung, and Valerey and Bob Meyer.
He was an inspiration to and survived by his ten grandchildren - Michael and Jen White, Jennifer and Jack Baumgartner, Terry and Dina Lewis; Nicholas Toye; Matthew, Melissa, and Merrick Nichols; Christopher and Melody Day; and Ryan and Nicolette Meyer.
Ken also leaves behind a legacy of nine great-grandchildren including Tyler and Dylan Lewis, Shandi Folsom, Emma and Taylor Baumgartner, Joel Medina and Ariana Nichols, and Xzaviar and Jaidyn Day.
Ken was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1931 and grew up on his father’s farm in Mocksville, NC. He was Valedictorian of his senior class at Farmington High School and worked for the school system with his brother Harvey. After graduating, and while working for Western Electric, he met and married Gaye Badgett. They resided in Yadkinville, NC and he was inducted into the United States Army. During his service, he received the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with the Bronze Service Star, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1954 at the rank of Corporal.
Ken moved his family to Orlando, Florida in 1959 where he worked at Martin Marietta. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, visiting the beach, playing cards, going to see movies at the drive-in, and going on vacation to North Carolina to visit relatives and enjoy his time on the farm.
He was greatly respected and will be missed by all who loved him. He touched many hearts throughout his life.
The visitation and viewing service for Kenneth E. White will be held from 6 pm – 8 pm on Friday, November 1st, 2019 at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home at 428 East Plant Street, Winter Garden, Florida.
Funeral service with Military Honors will be held on Tuesday, November 5th, 2019 at 12:30 pm at Bushnell Florida National Cemetery, 6502 S.W. 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida.
