Ernest G. White (Ernie, Gerald, Whitey, The Gas Man) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018 surrounded by his family in the home he built. Gerald was born Dec. 25, 1925 to the late Noble T. and Minnie Pearl (Nicolet) White and was raised on The Franklin Valley Orchard in the Four Mile area south of Jackson. He was a devoted husband, loving father, 1943 graduate of Jackson High School, and true follower of Jesus Christ. The Columbia Gas Company made full use of his skills, keeping Jackson area resident services turned on for 41 years.
He is survived by his brother, Heber Paul (Beverly) White of Newark, Ohio; son, Dan White of Columbus, Ohio; daughter, Faith (Terry) McKinniss of Gallipolis, Ohio; grandchildren: Jessica White of Torrance, CA, Marika White of Dublin, Ohio, Niki (Jay) McKinniss Summerlot of New Albany, Ohio, Rex (Kim) McKinniss of Tollesboro, KY, Morgan (Mary) McKinniss of Gallipolis, Ohio, Quenton McKinniss of Columbus, Ohio, and Griffon McKinniss of Athens, Ohio; he is also survived by five wonderful great-grandchildren: Clara, Rollin, Coy, Blake, and Sawyer; as well as many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law whom also remember him fondly.
Gerald was preceded in death in 2014 by his wife of 68 years, Evlyn Marie (Colby) White and by his sister, Geneva (White) Fedo.
Gerald transferred his church membership from Four Mile Christian Church to the First Baptist Church of Jackson in 1955, from which time he has been a stalwart supporter of the church’s business and activities through both his presence and his work as a deacon and member of multiple committees. He never stopped his study of Jesus, attending an Emmaus Walk in 2017 at the age of 91, and listening to his favorite preachers (Drs. Stanley and Graham) right up to his last hours.
His devotion to wife Evlyn was best expressed by his countless hours with her making Christmas crafts, then appearing at craft shows as either an elf or a reindeer around southern Ohio and their winter state of Florida.
Funeral arrangements will be under the care of the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson and Pastor Tim Keeton of the First Baptist Church officiating. Calling hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018 with funeral services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, all at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. Graveside services will follow at Fairmount Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to: First Baptist Church of Jackson – Deacon Fund, 35 Broadway St., Jackson, OH 45640. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com