John Eugene White

In the peacefulness of his home, surrounded by loved ones, Mr. John Eugene White passed away, entering into the loving arms of his Savior on Thursday, February 2, 2017. Mr. White was born March 11, 1942 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Eugene L. and Ruth Y. White and was a lifelong resident of Ocean Springs. He was married in 1963 to his high school sweetheart, Frances Sue Allen, and together they raised three children. He was a devoted husband and father and lived a life of generosity, hard work and kindness, and taught his family to do the same. He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. He served the special needs community for 32 years in the Ocean Springs School District. He first served as the principal of Elizabeth H. Keys School for exceptional children and was later appointed as the Special Education Administrator for the district, a position he held and faithfully served until his retirement in 1996. He worked tirelessly for those with special needs and sought to advance their rights and opportunities both locally and across the state. He loved his job and constantly strived to have his students reach their fullest potential, refusing to let them see themselves as anything less than “fearfully and wonderfully made”. An educator at heart, he also took time to instruct GED classes, coach girls’ softball and teach his kids how to fish! He was faithful in all his endeavors and a loyal friend to all he met. He enjoyed the love of his family and grandchildren, making every effort to engage and support their extracurricular activities. He was also a longtime active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church where he served his church community and family for over 60 years. He loved to serve his Lord by extending a helping hand to those in need. He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Lamoreaux White of Chicago, IL; his mother, Ruth Yvonne Dickey White Scharr of Ocean Springs; and his step-father, Orwin J. Scharr, also of Ocean Springs. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Frances Sue White; his son, Owen Eugene White of Birmingham, AL; and two daughters, Kathy Sue White (Lantrip), Jim, of Dallas, TX and Nancy Jennie White (Gables), Ken, of Birmingham, AL; sister, Nancy Arlene White (Wilson), Bill; his cousin and dear friend, George Dickey Arndt (Sherry) of Houston, TX; step-brothers, Andrew and David Scharr; half-brother, Donald Scharr; and step-sister, Robin Scharr (Allen). He will also be missed by his five grandchildren, Allison Lantrip (Key), Megan, Jessica and Kristi Lantrip all of Dallas, TX, and Kenneth Christian “K.C.” Gables of Birmingham, AL; and two great-grandchildren, Miles and Grant Key. He is also survived by a wonderful family of friends, nephews and nieces who will all miss him dearly. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home. Services will be held on Monday, February 6, 2017 at St. Paul United Methodist Church in downtown Ocean Springs at 2:00 p.m. Friends may visit one hour prior. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge.