John (Jack) Neal White

John (Jack) Neal White, age 90, of Clayton, GA, passed away at his residence Thursday, April 19, 2012.

He was born in White County, Georgia and was the son of the late John Hiram and Lina Elizabeth Ballard White.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his first wife, Kelly White, sons, Neal White and David Bowen, son-in-law, Dennis Harkins, a brother, Charles White; and three sisters, Mildred McLeroy, Sarah Rainey and Jonnie Ragland.

Jack is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Alexander White, son, Steve White and his wife Barbie of Clayton, three daughters, Terri Harkins of Clayton, GA, Deborah Heard and her husband Cleon of Lakemont, GA, and Suzanne Parks and her husband Johnny of Clayton, GA., two step-sons James Bowen and his wife Stacey of Salt Lake City, Utah, John Bowen and his wife Laura of Panama City, FL; He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Jack was a Golden Gloves Boxer and joined the Navy in 1939 at the age of 17. His home base was Pearl Harbor and he served in the Pacific Theatre for six years and was involved in seven sea battles. He served on the battleship USS Texas, the cruiser USS Portland, and other cruisers. He was a member of Clayton Baptist Church and a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class. Jack was an X-ray Technician, was a Master Mason, a member of Yonah Lodge in Cleveland, GA and owned a dry cleaning business in Helen, GA, the Princess Theater and Cleveland Drive-in, and was owner/administrator of Gold City Convalescent Center in Dahlonega, GA and Mountain View Convalescent Center in Clayton, GA. He was a loving father, grandfather, husband, and a friend to all.

The family will receive friends at Beck Funeral Home Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 6 PM to 8 PM. Funeral Services will be held 2 PM Sunday, April 22, 2012 at Clayton Baptist Church with Rev. Joey Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Gateway Memorial Cemetery in Cleveland, GA.

Memorial donations may be made to the Benevolence Fund at Clayton Baptist Church, at 120 S. Church Street, Clayton, GA 30525, or to Rabun County Gideons, P.O. Box 241, Clayton, GA 30525

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.