He was born in Asheville, N.C., November 11, 1957 (yes, Veteran’s Day) to Kathryn M. White and Guy H. White III, who have predeceased him.
For the most part, David grew up in Columbia after a short stint in Sharon, PA, with his parents. He graduated from Dreher High School, earned a BA in multidisciplinary studies from NC State University, and a Masters in Journalism from the University of South Carolina. As part of his thesis, he organized and printed a newspaper, The Business Mirror.
He embarked on a career involving newspaper production, advertising, marketing, and public affairs. Meanwhile, he and his wife, Carolyn, raised a family of two sons, David Marshall White Jr. and Alston Robert Gibbes White.
In roughly the last 14 years, David ventured off to new horizons, working as the editor for the Quantico Sentry at Marine Corps Base Quantico. David became a part of Marine Corps history as the last editor of the last newspaper for the Marine Corps. There he was awarded the Marine Corps Combat Correspondent Certificate of Communication, first place, and the Merit Award from the Marine Corps Merit Program. David was finally able to transition closer to home and moved armed services to the U.S. Army. He worked at Fort Gordon with Eisenhower Hospital, and while there, as a Marketing Specialist, he earned the Civilian Service Achievement Award.
David was involved in the Boy Scouts of America and was a troop leader for many years with Troop 8 at Incarnation Lutheran Church. While involved with scouting, he earned his Wood Badge and achieved the Vigil Honor Order of the Arrow. He was involved with the National Jamboree for several years, helping produce the Jamboree Today, their daily newspaper.
David was very active in Shandon Presbyterian Church and served as an elder, Sunday School teacher for youth and adults, youth advisor, basketball coach, usher, handbells, mission trip participant, and most recently served on the search committee for Jenny McDevitt.
David also inherited his father’s talent for photography and loved taking pictures of life in the church and anything that piqued his eyes and thoughts. David and his wife, Carolyn (yes, the high school sweetheart) were married for 43 years, although he would say, “Add in the dating years and it would be 50.”
Friends will also miss his social media banter that could involve the obvious or the extreme, or the minutiae that people didn’t look for, and he would poke at that.
He is survived by his wife, sons, and siblings, Marshall A. White, MD, Kimberly White O’Quinn, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A celebration of the life of David will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 29, 2023 at Shandon Presbyterian Church, The Rev. Jenny McDevitt will guide the service. The family will welcome friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m., Thursday, September 28, 2023 at the home of David and Carolyn White. Parking is limited; please carpool if possible.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes any memorials be made to: Shandon Presbyterian Church, 607 Woodrow Street, Columbia, SC 29205.
Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
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