George Allen White

George Allen White, age 78 of Columbia, SC, passed peacefully on June 5, 2024 after a decade long malady with cancer. He was born on June 13, 1945, in Oakland, CA, to the late Carl L. White and Cleo M Hicks. George and his mother moved to Sumter, SC, where Cleo married Nick Nichols of Wedgefield, SC, whom George considered his true father and affectionately called him “Dad”. George was predeceased by his parents and his only children, Christopher A. White and Sean C. White that he loved dearly throughout their shortened adult life in Columbia, SC.

George graduated from Mayewood High School in Sumter where he played the clarinet in the band. As a senior, he was selected for first chair All State Band and was awarded a music scholarship from the University of SC. He later worked in the position as cost accountant and materials manager at the Shakespeare Company before returning to USC where he earned a BS degree in computer science. He retired in 2014 from Blue Cross/Blue shield of SC as a computer program analyst.

George loved music while in high school and later joined other local musicians in small bands, The Capers, The Monulanes, the original Salt & Pepper, and others performing for thousands of people who came to hear the music around the Midlands area during the 60’s and 70’s. While with Salt and Pepper, the band played back-up for many Grammy winners, Patti LaBelle, BJ Thomas, Clarence Carter, and others and recorded 45 rpm records.

George was a member of MENZA and volunteered as editor and treasurer for that association during the 1980’s. He was formerly a member of a club called INTERTEL as well. He not only enjoyed music but was an avid reader, collected late classic automobiles and enjoyed his family. Most of all, he loved spending time with his “boys” before their untimely death.

George is survived by a sister, Niki A. Gray (Joe R. Gray, Jr.) of Little Mountain, SC, daughter-in-law, Nina W. Howell, and his grandchildren, Specialist Savannah Ulness USA, Brianna White and Christopher White and great granddaughter, Maia.

At George’s request, no services will be held. In lieu, memorials may be sent to charity of choice, condolences at Dunbar Funeral Home online “Dignity Memorial”.