Obituary of Gene White

White, Gene Nolan

Reverend Gene N. White passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 83, surrounded by his family and loved ones. He leaves behind his sweetheart of 66 years, Peggy; his children, Susan Ryan and Steven White; his grandchildren, Charles Barber-Loera (Sergio), Alex Salter (Cody), and Hannah Gaither (Isaac); and his three great-grandchildren, Caiden Salter, Hudson Salter, and Zoey Gaither.

Gene was born in Lithia Springs in Douglas County on September 8, 1941, and passed away just days before his 84th birthday, on August 31, 2025. He was raised in Atlanta by his grandmother. Gene often shared that although he did not have a mother or father to raise him, he was never fatherless—for he knew his true Father.

Gene was a proud Navy veteran. He enlisted 1959, serving in the U.S. Pacific Fleet until 1963. 

Throughout his life, he modeled a strong work ethic and instilled that same value in his children and grandchildren. He wore many hats over the years—working in trucking, as a machinist, and retired from National Life Insurance Company. In the later years of his life, his greatest joy was preaching, teaching, and sharing the love of Christ as a pastor and Sunday school teacher. He also loved gardening and took great pride in his beautiful roses and tomatoes. Gene was a pillar of strength—not only to his family, but also to his community. He was a cherished husband, father, “Papa,” and friend.

On July 6, 2025, Gene preached his final sermon and said, “I have been blessed with pain, and I pray God gets the glory.” He lived for Christ in everything he did. A fighter with a strong will to live and to remain with his family, Gene has now been embraced in the arms of Jesus and has surely heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

A memorial service for Mr. Gene White will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, September 8, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Hampton with Reverend Craig McAdams officiating. Friends may visit the family at the church on Monday from 1:00 P.M. until the hour of service. The family suggest, in lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to Back Pack Buddies in memory of Gene White at Hamptonfbc.org/give and select Back Pack Buddy fund.

Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.sherrell-westburyfuneralhome.com. 

Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home, 212 East College Street, Jackson, is serving the White family.