Roger White

Marion Roger William White, 87, of 434 Lake Tahoma Road, passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at the McDowell Hospital. A native of Buncombe County, he had resided in McDowell County since 1951. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was a founder and co-owner of Rice & White Furniture Company, Jarrett & White Insurance Agency and Marion Credit Company. He was a member of the Mystic Tie Masonic Lodge #237 in Marion for 61 years and a member of the Oasis Shrine Temple of Charlotte and Mt. Mitchell Shrine Club. Mr. White also served as past board member of the McDowell County Board of Education, was past president of the McDowell Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Marion Merchants Association, past board member of the McDowell County Habitat for Humanity, past director of Northwestern Bank and First Citizens Bank and served with the United Way. He was a charter member of Pleasant Gardens Volunteer Fire Department and an active member of Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church as Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and Deacon. Mr. White was the son of the late James Edwin White and Addie Mae Sluder White and husband of 65 years to Mary Frances Rice White who died June 4, 2014. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Surviving are his daughters, Lynn Roach and husband John of Winston-Salem and Kathryn Mann and husband Marty of Asheville; grandchildren, David Roach and wife Kate of Asheville and Emily Harrison and husband Evan of Fayetteville; great grandchildren, Natalie Harrison and Joshua Harrison; sister, Lura Freeman of Weaverville; brother, Bob White and wife Betty of Griffin, GA; sisters-in-law, Lois Rice and Doris Rice and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday, August 8, 2014 at the Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church in Marion with Rev. Evan Harrison officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 PM Friday at Green Hills Cemetery in Asheville with Masonic rites conducted by Bill Wiseman, past Master of Joppa Lodge #401 and brothers from Joppa and Mystic Tie Lodges. Memorials may be made to: Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605 or Fishers of Men Sunday School Class of Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church, 124 P.G. Baptist Church Rd, Marion, NC 28752.