JOHN WAYNE WHITE

June 18, 1941 – January 23, 2021

USAF Retired Chief Master Sergeant John Wayne White began his adventurous journey in this life on June 18, 1941.  Born in Princeton, WV to Minnie Helen White, he was one of 5 siblings.  In order of birth:  Bobby, Claudette, John, Jack, & Jerry.

They grew up in the area of Tazewell.   He was active in school and the marching band at Tazewell High.

After graduating, he moved to Richmond, VA and worked as a cook at White Tower restaurant where he met his first wife, Patsy Blakley.   They have three children:  Cindy, Jenny and Tammy.

In 1961, he joined the United States Air Force and spent 26 ½ years serving his country.  He started his Air Force career in Florida at Eglin AF base, serving one year in Vietnam from 1965-1966.

John remarried Marjean Holt in June 1968.  They met when he was stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH.  Marjean had three children when they married;  Becca (deceased), Richard (deceased) & Robin.  From Dayton, OH,  the Air Force took them to Panama, Grand Forks in ND, a one year remote tour in Korea, Warner Robins in GA, and to his final base assignment at Seymour Johnson in NC.  In 1981, he obtained an associates degree in applied science from the Community College of the Air Force.   He retired in 1988 as a Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted position in the Air Force.

After retirement, he and Marjean traveled all across North America in their RV, until Marjean suffered a stroke.  They settled in Bartow, FL for about 12 years but the mountains of Virginia were never far from his heart and they returned to Bluefield in 2000.

Upon returning to Bluefield, John immediately became an active member of the community, joining First United Methodist Church, after which he attended Sunday school, volunteered, and managed the church maintenance for several years.  He was a member and President of Bluestone Region Car Club.  He participated in Habitat for Humanity for years and became their lead foreman.

John married Betty in February 2016 at First United Methodist Church.  Although their time was limited they were able to enjoy life together.

John is survived by his wife Betty Ann White,  his daughters; Cindy, Jenny, Tammy, Robin; 7 grandchildren; Travis, Tiffany, Jonathan, Melissa, Samantha, Jamison and William; three brothers, Bobby, Jack and Jerry; and many other loving family members and friends.

John was a proud US Veteran, he loved his church, family and community.  He was a giving and kind man, always willing to help anyone in need.

We will miss his infectious smile, kindness, and generosity. Most of all we will miss his company.

Service to celebrate John's life will be held Wednesday January 27, 2021 at First United Methodist Church in Bluefield, VA at 2:00pm with Dr. Jay Ferguson and Dr. Don Scott officiating.  Family and friends may visit from 12:00pm until the hour of service. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery where graveside military rites will be conducted by the Mercer County Honor Guard.  Pallbearers will be Jonathan Smith, Jamison Smith, William Lowe, Tiffany Harte, Ryan Cowlick, Bob White, Jr, Bryan Robinson and Joe Fox.

If you plan to attend the service, MASKS ARE REQUIRED.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to First United Methodist Church, 200 S. College Ave, Bluefield, VA 24605 to the Education Fund