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Robert E Lee White (Bob), born November 16, 1925 in Kingsport, Tennessee died on August 21, 2023 at the age of 97 in Knoxville, Tennessee following a brief illness.
He is preceded in death by Martha A. White, his loving wife of 66 years. He is survived by his children: Jayne White Smith (Steve) of Knoxville; David Lee White (Hanna) of Richmond Hill, GA; grandchildren: Cheri Duncan (Rodney) of Knoxville; Christopher Barger (Elaine) of Harriman; Sophia Williams (Matt) of Tampa, FL; Sheila Babcock (Mike) of Richmond Hill, GA. Great-grandchildren: Emily Barger; Lizzy Barger Roberts (Dalton); Gabriel and Aurora Williams; Grayson McMurrain and Logan Babcock; great-great granddaughter: Hallie Roberts.
Bob retired from Mason-Dixon Truck Lines in Kingsport, TN where he worked in the Supply Department doing layout work for company materials and brochures.
He was active in many organizations and was a volunteer in several. He was a Charter Member of Mafair United Methodist Church in Kingsport, TN; a member of the Tennessee Defense Force; a 60-year member of the American Legion, Post No. 3; a 25-year member of the American Legion Color Guard (participating in military funerals); was named Tennessee Colonel by Gov. Lamar Alexander and Kentucky Colonel by Gov. Jones. Bob was also a 60-year member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 688 and a 30-year member of the Eastern Star. He was a long-time volunteer with Santa Train, which delivers toys to thousands in Appalachia. Bob was also well known for calling bingo for American Legion Family Night and at the Kingsport Senior Center.
Something Bob was most proud of was being an active scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America for more than 50 years. He led Mason-Dixon Troop 254 and was a leader for Boy Scouts, Sea Scouts, and Order of the Arrow. He was awarded the Pioneer Award, the Silver Beaver Award (the highest honor in Boy Scouting), and the Vigil Honor (the highest honor presented for Order of the Arrow). When Bob began as a scoutmaster, many of the boys didn’t even have shoes. He devoted so much time in being a good example and tried to put each scout on the right path to become good citizens. He also took “his boys” on many trips, with several members never being out of the state of Tennessee. Some of the places traveled were Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico; Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands National Parks in New Mexico; Baton Rouge, Louisiana (for the Indian Dance Festival); Richmond, Virginia; Washington, D.C.; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; and Juarez, Mexico.
Bob was a proud graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School and was a member of the marching band. He loved attending D-B football games and traveling with friends to attend Lady Vols basketball games. He also enjoyed woodworking—making dulcimers, birdhouses, wooden squirrels, and other items to happily share with family and friends, even those he didn't know. He loved life and never met a stranger and would most often say before leaving a conversation: "We live in the "White" house, come see us!" When Bob left Kingsport in 2015, after the death of his wife, he moved to Knoxville. Painting and doing artwork with colored pencils soon became his favorite pastime. Over 50 canvases painted during his assisted living time in Covid quarantine are on display at Halls High School in his granddaughter’s classroom. Simple as they may be, they provide a bit of whimsy and joy.
For any desired memorials, please consider a donation to Mafair United Methodist Church, 1409 E. Center Street, Kingsport, TN 37664.
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