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Dr John Elmer White III

November 10, 1943 - July 05, 2025

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Obituary For Dr John Elmer White III

John Elmer White, III, born November 10, 1943, passed away on July 4, 2025. John lived a life of great service to others. From being a high school English teacher to college professor of Education at Austin College to serving as principal of Pegasus Charter School, even his professional life reflected his devotion to serve his community. We, his family and friends, were the beneficiaries of that same compassion and care throughout his life. John was born in Decatur, Illinois and was student body president at Eisenhower High School as a senior. He went on to Southern Illinois University where he earned Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph. D. Degrees. It is here where he met his beautiful wife of 59 years, Jane, who also earned those same degrees, and the two of them have educated thousands of students throughout their careers. John was a faithful member of Grace United Methodist Church since 1980, and he supported the congregation and the youth group in multiple ways throughout the years. One of his more profound experiences took him out of the college classroom and into the role of Principal at Pegasus Charter School in Dallas, TX for several years. The middle school and high school students there adored him, and we've heard from so many of them in the past days. John leaves a lasting mark on those he teaches. Many of us have said the same thing: We are who we are because of John White. His retirement years found him on the golf course, and he had so many dear friends that he met through that pastime. They've been a wonderful support and energetic part of John's life in the past several years. John is survived by his wife, Jane; daughters and sons-in-law, Erin and Robin Casey, Darcy and Jeff Dadam; Son and daughter-in law, Aldo and Renee Billingslea; Grandchildren, Christopher, Trinity, Mary, and Lauren; brothers and their wives, David White and Bert Forde, and Mark and Carol White, and many beloved cousins, as well as all the former students and mentees who became part of the family. The world was a better place with John in it, and he will be missed deeply and by many. John suffered dementia in his last years, and his peaceful passing was a blessing from God at the end of a life well-lived.

Celebration of Life services will be held with the loving support of Dannel Funeral Home at Wynne Chapel, Austin College, 900 N. Grand Ave, Sherman, TX, 75090 at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 26, 2025. A reception follows afterward, and we look forward to sharing stories, laughing a lot, and shedding a few tears with you all.

If you would like to donate to honor John's memory, he was on the board of the Grayson County Children's Advocacy Center for many years, and they would welcome the support. Please include the words: "In memory of John White" when donating, and they will make note of it. To learn more and to donate, click here: https://cacgc.org/

Services

26 Jul

Funeral Service

11:00 AM

Wynne Chapel 806 N. Grand Ave. Sherman, Texas 75090 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • July 31, 2025

    Brandy Utz

    My thoughts and heart are with you, Jane, and your whole family. John was an amazing professional, leader, and friend. I always appreciated how he believed in me and challenged me to push myself to be the best educator and person I could be. I loved seeing both of you and how you supported each other. He will forever be missed but left a legacy that will always be remembered.

  • July 26, 2025

    Lila Hranitzky

    I want to express my deepest condolences on the passing of Professor Dr. White. He was a truly remarkable person, teacher, and mentor who made a lasting impact on so many lives—including mine. I wasn't the best student, but Dr. White saw something in me that not many people did. He challenged me, supported me, and inspired me not just to be a better student, but to grow into a better person—and eventually, a teacher myself. His belief in me changed the course of my life. Every class, my personal goal was to make him smile or laugh. His laughter was contagious, and his joy made learning feel like a shared journey rather than a solitary challenge. Dr. White's legacy lives on in every student he encouraged and every life he touched. I will carry his lessons and his kindness with me always. With heartfelt sympathy, Lila Hranitzky

  • July 26, 2025

    Barbara Lawson Lindner

    Jane, Darcy, Erin and Christopher (and Aldo and Renee!). My heart and prayers go out to you, your family and all your AC friends as you gather this weekend. Many hugs and laughs as you remember the good times. I fondly remember all our family times together: summers at the Lake Campus, grilling in our backyards, (Siggy burgers and smoked turkeys), football games and holidays. Sig and John are golfing and fishing again. (Remember "Harry & Larry Go Fishing" book!) Barbara Lawson Lindner

  • July 25, 2025

    Sandra Froese

    Jane and family: We send our condolences in the passing of Dr. John White, who was an outstanding professor and a champion of education. His genius and spirit led the way for future teachers and we are grateful for his leadership and expertise. May he rest in Eternal Peace! -Lyle and Sandi Froese, McKinney, TX

  • July 16, 2025

    Allan Winfield

    My prayers for the family. As stated, I would not have been the teacher/coach I was without Dr. White's guidance. Always very positive but direct with his feedback. However my fondest memory does not have to do with teacher training; it has to do with one evening I was lifeguard at the AC pool. I believe it was a very young Darcy who fell and hurt herself on the pool deck. I carried her off (chivalry is not dead!) and left her with parents. From that point on, he would never forget to remind me and thank me for the moment. Truly a great man and family. I won't be able to attend, but send prayers and fond memories to the family.

  • July 13, 2025

    Belinda Miller

    Jane, sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.

  • July 13, 2025

    Roy Coker

    My prayers for you and your family

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